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Anthropology at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,300/yr (15% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #25 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 25%

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	$555K	$550K	$503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.1x	10.0x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.1x	3.1x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	41	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,579

5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,070

70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,300 at University of California-Los Angeles come in 15% above the national median of $28,155 for Anthropology programs.

A 10.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $32,300 far exceeding the $14,579 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-Los Angeles ranks #25 among 178 Anthropology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $32,300-to-$55,070 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles's 9% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

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 of California-Los Angeles

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of California-Los Angeles?

At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at University of California-Los Angeles?

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 University of California-Los Angeles one of the best schools for Anthropology?

Among 178 Anthropology programs, University of California-Los Angeles's #25 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →