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Anthropology at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $12,059/yr (-57% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #170 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	$335K	$348K	$355K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.3x	10.7x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.4x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	24	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,588

Out-of-state: $101,084 (3.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$26,988

17% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $12,059 per year, Anthropology graduates from New Mexico State University-Main Campus earn below the $28,155 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #170 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places New Mexico State University-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About New Mexico State University-Main Campus

With 76% of applicants admitted, New Mexico State University-Main Campus prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 11,561 in Las Cruces, NM. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at New Mexico State University-Main Campus →

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 New Mexico State University-Main Campus

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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?

At 24/100, 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 New Mexico State University-Main Campus?

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 New Mexico State University-Main Campus a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If New Mexico State University-Main Campus'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 →