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Anthropology at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,318/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #154 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	$466K	$468K	$443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.7x	12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.4x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,768

Out-of-state: $107,084 (4.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

12.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$36,723

81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,318/yr fall 28% below the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 12.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,500 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,318 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #154 out of 178 programs, Central Washington University's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $20,318 to $36,723 over five years (81% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Central Washington University

Central Washington University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington 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 Central Washington 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 Central Washington University's Anthropology program score?

This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Central Washington University Anthropology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

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.

Why are Anthropology earnings lower at Central Washington University?

Lower starting pay at Central Washington University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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