Anthropology at James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,686/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
10.1x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
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 | $555K | $550K | $503K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.2x | 10.1x | 9.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.5x | 4.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 34 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,211
77% growth from Year 1
About James Madison University
With 76% of applicants admitted, James Madison University prioritizes broad access, with 20,497 students enrolled in Harrisonburg, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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
Compare & Explore
Anthropology at Other Schools
Other Majors at James Madison University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at James Madison University?
At 39/100, 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 James Madison 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 James Madison University one of the best schools for Anthropology?
Among 178 Anthropology programs, James Madison University's #42 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →