Anthropology at Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,369/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #173 of 178 Anthropology programs

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 $537K $533K $491K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$219,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,768
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,566
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,369/yr, Anthropology graduates from Baylor University land near the $28,155 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 2.4x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Anthropology's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $28,369 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #173 of 178 Anthropology programs, Baylor University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $50,566 show a 78% jump from the $28,369 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Baylor University

Baylor University accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 15,007 students in Waco, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Baylor 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
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Anthropology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Baylor University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at Baylor University?
A score of 23/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Anthropology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Anthropology careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $490,766 in decade earnings vs $536,704 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →