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Anthropology at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,924/yr (56% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #51 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 50%

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 $573K $567K $515K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$137,816
48% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,485
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Duke University's Anthropology program earn $43,924/yr in their first year — 56% above the $28,155 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #51 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Duke University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 42% earnings increase from $43,924 to $62,485 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Duke University

Duke University admits 7% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 6,417 in Durham, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $137,816 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Duke 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

Compare this program → View all 178 schools offering Anthropology →

Anthropology at Other Schools

Southern Methodist University ($56,550) Monmouth University ($46,302) Southern New Hampshire University ($41,986) Fordham University ($40,384) Dartmouth College ($40,071) CUNY Lehman College ($38,879) George Mason University ($37,081) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($36,978)

Other Majors at Duke University

Computer Science ($133,356) Mathematics ($121,088) Computer Engineering ($111,145) Economics ($98,649) Statistics ($97,197) Mechanical Engineering ($89,938) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,288) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,873)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Anthropology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Duke University?
At 37/100, 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 Duke 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →