Anthropology at Ball State University
Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,452/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
11.6x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Anthropology graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $499K | $498K | $465K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.6x | 11.6x | 10.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.3x | 4.3x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 30 | 27 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,032
Out-of-state: $115,064 (4.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,370
77% growth from Year 1
About Ball State University
Ball State University has a 72% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 13,770 students in Muncie, IN.
See all programs and financial aid at Ball State University →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary
$95,770/yr
Compare & Explore
Anthropology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ball State University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Ball State University?
At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at Ball State University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →