Anthropologyat DePaul University
Graduates earn $18,950/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Anthropology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $380K; scenarios range from $379K to $370K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at DePaul University
DePaul's Anthropology program, nestled in a vibrant urban environment like Chicago, often prepares graduates for diverse career paths that don't always translate into immediate high earnings. Many alumni gravitate towards non-profit organizations, social services, or community development roles, where the emphasis is on social impact rather than initial salary. The program's strength in critical thinking, qualitative research, and understanding human systems is highly valued, but these foundational skills often require further specialization, perhaps through a master's degree or targeted certifications, to unlock higher-paying positions in fields like UX research or data analysis. Your success will hinge on actively seeking out internships that apply your anthropological insights to business or technology, ensuring you bridge academic theory with marketable skills from day one.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to DePaul University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Anthropology
How DePaul University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at DePaul University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at DePaul University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Anthropology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Anthropology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Anthropology at DePaul University
What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at DePaul University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Anthropology degree from DePaul University?
At $24,707 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at DePaul University?
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 DePaul University a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If DePaul University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.