Compare 53 Anthropology. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $32,953.
The highest-earning Anthropology program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $19K earnings gap across 53 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University Of Notre Dame's Anthropology program leads with graduates earning $55,714, significantly above the $32,953 average. Case Western Reserve University follows at $54,040, while Miami University-Oxford delivers $48,634—demonstrating that program strength varies independently of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Notre Dame graduates borrow $19,000 and face just a 7.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it both the top performer and most affordable option.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $55,714 | 26 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | High |
| #2 | $54,040 | 34 | $24,000 | Good | $31,458 | High | |
| #3 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $48,634 | 29 | $23,000 | Manageable | $34,512 | High |
| #4 | $46,678 | 71 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | High | |
| #5 | $43,496 | 23 | $19,500 | Manageable | $34,511 | High | |
| #6 | $43,418 | 63 | $19,500 | Manageable | $25,729 | High | |
| #7 | $43,391 | 17 | $20,482 | Manageable | $28,767 | High | |
| #8 | $42,367 | 26 | $20,484 | Manageable | $28,364 | High | |
| #9 | $41,135 | 23 | $20,000 | Manageable | $17,205 | High | |
| #10 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $40,730 | 17 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #11 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $39,017 | 20 | $22,869 | Challenging | $25,950 | High |
| #12 | $38,449 | 20 | $27,000 | Challenging | $23,103 | High | |
| #13 | Hamline UniversityPrivate | $38,323 | 20 | $23,770 | Challenging | $22,739 | High |
| #14 | $38,139 | 23 | $16,704 | Manageable | $24,323 | High | |
| #15 | $38,101 | 65 | $19,976 | Manageable | $25,868 | High | |
| #16 | $37,762 | 23 | $21,992 | Challenging | $15,092 | High | |
| #17 | $37,727 | 9 | $20,000 | Challenging | $10,000 | High | |
| #18 | $37,623 | 22 | $19,509 | Manageable | $32,850 | High | |
| #19 | University Of IowaPublic | $36,836 | 39 | $22,500 | Challenging | $27,975 | High |
| #20 | $36,544 | 14 | $21,543 | Challenging | $19,500 | High | |
| #21 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $36,453 | 27 | $21,250 | Challenging | $16,378 | High |
| #22 | $35,573 | 14 | $21,797 | Challenging | $16,998 | High | |
| #23 | $35,436 | 15 | $20,000 | Challenging | $15,027 | High | |
| #24 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $34,792 | 14 | $23,250 | High | $20,800 | High |
| #25 | $34,489 | 118 | $17,500 | Challenging | $24,585 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
