Anthropology at California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,278/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
18.2x earnings multiple (6.8x 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 | $519K | $517K | $479K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 18.3x | 18.2x | 16.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.8x | 6.8x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 36 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (6.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,924
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,132
79% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Northridge
With 93% of applicants admitted, California State University-Northridge prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, 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-Northridge →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
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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at California State University-Northridge?
A score of 39/100 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 $479,173 in decade earnings vs $519,468 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Northridge's Anthropology program stand out?
Ranked #37 of 178 programs nationally, California State University-Northridge lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →