Anthropology at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,617/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 50%

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 $581K $574K $520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.0x 8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,750
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,484
97% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Michigan State University's Anthropology program produces graduates earning $28,617/yr — within striking distance of the $28,155 national average for this field.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Anthropology's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,750 represents roughly 12 months of the $28,617 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #49 of 178 Anthropology programs, Michigan State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $56,484 show a 97% jump from the $28,617 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Michigan State University

A 84% acceptance rate means Michigan State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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 Michigan State 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at Michigan State University?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Anthropology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Anthropology careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $520,474 in decade earnings vs $580,887 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →