Anthropology at The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,229/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #138 of 178 Anthropology programs

Program Analysis

The financial data here suggests a common pattern for broad humanities degrees at large public universities. While the DFW metroplex offers a robust and diverse job market, direct career paths specifically leveraging an anthropology degree for high initial earnings are often less defined. Many graduates find themselves in generalist roles across various sectors like non-profits, government, or business operations, where the degree provides valuable critical thinking but doesn't immediately translate to a specialized, high-paying entry point. The career paths you see are often aspirational or require significant further education, like graduate degrees for academic positions or advanced research roles. Employers in the region, from large corporations to healthcare systems, value the analytical and cultural understanding an anthropology background provides, but you’ll typically need to pair it with practical skills in areas like data analysis, project management, or UX research to stand out. Therefore, your actionable advice is to actively seek out internships and build complementary skills early on. Focus on developing a specialized portfolio that demonstrates how your anthropological insights can solve real-world problems in specific industries. This proactive approach will be crucial for navigating the local job market and enhancing your earning potential post-graduation.

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 $563K $558K $509K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 11.9x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,912
Out-of-state: $118,640 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,940
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,441
13.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,666
165% growth from Year 1

About The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 30,834 students in Arlington, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Arlington →

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 The University of Texas at Arlington

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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at The University of Texas at Arlington?
At 29/100, 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 The University of Texas at Arlington?
At $19,441 in median debt, graduates carry 14 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 The University of Texas at Arlington?
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 The University of Texas at Arlington a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at Arlington'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 →