Anthropology at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,930/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
11.5x earnings multiple (4.2x 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 | $495K | $495K | $463K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.5x | 11.5x | 10.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.2x | 4.2x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 28 | 26 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,120
Out-of-state: $118,012 (4.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,783
14.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,447
89% growth from Year 1
About Metropolitan State University of Denver
With 99% of applicants admitted, Metropolitan State University of Denver prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,932 students in Denver, CO.
See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan State University of Denver →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 Metropolitan State University of Denver
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
How does Metropolitan State University of Denver's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Metropolitan State University of Denver Anthropology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Lower starting pay at Metropolitan State University of Denver 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 →