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Anthropology at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,144/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #163 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	$490K	$491K	$460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.7x	9.7x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.2x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,819

13.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,836

98% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $20,144 per year, Anthropology graduates from Northern Arizona University earn below the $28,155 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 9.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 #163 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Northern Arizona University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,144-to-$39,836 earnings arc over five years reflects a 98% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Northern Arizona University?

At 25/100, 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 Northern Arizona University?

At $21,819 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 Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Arizona 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 →