Anthropology at George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,614/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #164 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 $773K $751K $650K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,960
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$149,816
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
13.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,959
214% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

George Washington University's Anthropology graduates start at $22,614/yr, trailing the $28,155 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $22,614 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #164 out of 178 programs, George Washington University's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,614 to $70,959 over five years (214% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About George Washington University

George Washington University's 44% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 10,848 students in Washington, DC. After financial aid, the average student pays $149,816 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at George 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 George Washington University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does George Washington University's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do George Washington University Anthropology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x 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 George Washington University?
Lower starting pay at George 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 →