Anthropology at State University of New York at Oswego

Oswego, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,595/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #159 of 178 Anthropology programs

Program Analysis

The lower earnings for anthropology graduates from SUNY Oswego suggest a few dynamics at play. The program likely provides a robust foundation in critical thinking and cultural analysis, but its regional setting in Oswego, NY, may not offer direct pipelines to the highest-paying applied anthropology roles. Graduates often enter fields like non-profit management, community development, or government work, which are incredibly valuable but typically don't command top-tier salaries initially. To reach the higher earning potential seen in roles like medical scientists or postsecondary teachers, you'll almost certainly need to pursue extensive graduate education or actively build complementary skills in areas like data analysis, GIS, or user experience design, then target opportunities in larger metropolitan markets or specialized industries. Consider pairing your anthropology studies with a minor or internship in a more directly career-focused field to enhance your marketability.

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 $363K $374K $374K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.6x 10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 5.0x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,076
Out-of-state: $74,716 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,924
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,362
13.2 months of Year 1 earnings

About State University of New York at Oswego

With 80% of applicants admitted, State University of New York at Oswego prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,618 in Oswego, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at State University of New York at Oswego →

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 State University of New York at Oswego

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

How does State University of New York at Oswego's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do State University of New York at Oswego Anthropology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x 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 State University of New York at Oswego?
Lower starting pay at State University of New York at Oswego 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 →