Anthropology at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,379/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
7.8x earnings multiple
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 | $393K | $401K | $394K |
| Earnings Multiple | 7.6x | 7.8x | 7.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 27 | 25 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$51,688
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,752
12.2 months of Year 1 earnings
About Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 8,836 in Edwardsville, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville →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
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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?
A score of 27/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Anthropology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Anthropology at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville worth the student debt?
Median debt of $23,752 against $23,379/yr starting salary means roughly 1.0 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $393,973 in decade earnings vs $392,762 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Anthropology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →