Anthropology at Eckerd College

Saint Petersburg, FL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,191/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #174 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 $377K $386K $383K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$201,496
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$132,044
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
15.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,191/yr fall 28% below the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 1.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #174 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Eckerd College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Eckerd College

Eckerd College has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,984 in Saint Petersburg, FL. After financial aid, the average student pays $132,044 over four years — 34% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Eckerd College →

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 Eckerd College

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 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Eckerd College?
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 Eckerd College?
At $26,500 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 Eckerd College?
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 Eckerd College a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Eckerd College'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 →