Compare 59 Anthropology. programs in the West. Average earnings: $36,978.
Anthropology programs produce graduates earning between $40,381 and $55,660—a $15K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 59 ranked programs in the West, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
California State University-Channel Islands leads with graduates earning $55,660, followed by UC Berkeley at $54,062. The average across all programs is $36,978, showing how specific programs can dramatically outperform expectations when evaluated independently of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Berkeley graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 5.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Cal State Channel Islands offers the best family value with a 16.7% family burden, proving smart program choice beats prestige.
Highest program earnings: $55,660
Strong outcomes with 93% acceptance
5.7% payment burden | Excellent
16.7% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $55,660 | 20 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,033 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $54,062 | 91 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $51,191 | 41 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $50,875 | 44 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $48,746 | 37 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $48,435 | 173 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Challenging | |
| #7 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $47,280 | 58 | $21,221 | Good | $28,923 | High |
| #8 | $46,401 | 257 | $14,000 | Good | $26,176 | High | |
| #9 | $46,322 | 70 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $44,884 | 77 | $15,000 | Good | $22,665 | High | |
| #11 | $44,404 | 60 | $15,000 | Good | $16,507 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $43,827 | 44 | $20,000 | Manageable | $36,000 | High | |
| #13 | $43,549 | 66 | $18,500 | Manageable | $23,123 | High | |
| #14 | $43,020 | 30 | $18,000 | Manageable | $18,257 | High | |
| #15 | $42,388 | 79 | $19,500 | Manageable | $23,519 | High | |
| #16 | $41,155 | 12 | $13,540 | Good | $12,700 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $40,754 | 17 | $20,500 | Manageable | $21,716 | High | |
| #18 | $40,708 | 18 | $20,000 | Manageable | $21,710 | High | |
| #19 | $40,554 | 77 | $15,500 | Good | $24,257 | High | |
| #20 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $40,381 | 27 | $16,705 | Manageable | $27,986 | High |
| #21 | $40,257 | 140 | $16,666 | Manageable | $28,682 | High | |
| #22 | $39,922 | 14 | $13,807 | Good | $11,061 | Challenging | |
| #23 | $39,194 | 59 | $15,000 | Manageable | $25,565 | High | |
| #24 | University Of OregonPublic | $39,176 | 58 | $20,139 | Manageable | $44,405 | High |
| #25 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $39,012 | 78 | $19,620 | Manageable | $30,126 | 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 →
