Anthropology at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,460/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #95 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 $424K $429K $415K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.8x 10.0x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,880
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$40,392
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,460/yr, Anthropology graduates from University at Buffalo land near the $28,155 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Anthropology's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $29,460 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #95 of 178 Anthropology programs, University at Buffalo falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo accepts 69% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 20,284 in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

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 University at Buffalo

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at University at Buffalo?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Anthropology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $414,826 in decade earnings vs $423,774 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →