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Anthropology at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,949/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)

ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #128 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	$380K	$389K	$386K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.9x	13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.0x	5.2x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$27,920

Out-of-state: $75,440 (5.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$25,920

7% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,000

8.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,949 place California State University-Fresno below the $28,155 national median for Anthropology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 against $20,949/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #128 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places California State University-Fresno in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,070 students enrolled in Fresno, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fresno →

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 California State University-Fresno

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

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at California State University-Fresno?

At 29/100, 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 California State University-Fresno?

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.

Is California State University-Fresno a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Fresno's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →