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Anthropology at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $18,567/yr (-34% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)

ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #155 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	$368K	$378K	$377K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.4x	8.6x	8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.4x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,768

Out-of-state: $111,264 (3.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$71,532

-63% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

13.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $18,567 place Kansas State University below the $28,155 national median for Anthropology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #155 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Kansas State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Kansas State University

Kansas State University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 14,835 students in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas State 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 Kansas State 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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Kansas State University?

At 26/100, 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 Kansas State University?

At $20,500 in median debt, graduates carry 13 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 Kansas State 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 Kansas State University a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Kansas State University'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 →