Anthropology at Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,390/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #133 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 $565K $559K $510K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$135,540
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,854
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,390 per year, Anthropology graduates from Brandeis University significantly outpace the $28,155 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$35,390 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #133 out of 178 programs, Brandeis University's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $35,390 to $57,854 over five years (63% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Brandeis University

A 35% acceptance rate puts Brandeis University in competitive admissions territory, with a smaller student body of 3,663 in Waltham, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $135,540 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Brandeis 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 Brandeis University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Brandeis University's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Anthropology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Anthropology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →