Anthropology at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
36
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%

Program Analysis

Your degree from UCLA carries significant weight, even in a field like Anthropology that often leads to less direct career paths. The university's strong brand and vast alumni network in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles provide a distinct advantage, opening doors beyond traditional academic roles into diverse industries like tech (UX research), healthcare, or non-profit management. Your coursework emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, and cross-cultural understanding, skills highly valued by employers in complex problem-solving roles. The listed career paths reflect this versatility, with many graduates applying their analytical abilities to management or even medical research, often after further study. The high AI risk indicates that roles relying on data analysis, research synthesis, or content creation may evolve significantly. Therefore, while your foundational skills are robust, actively integrating digital tools and practical, applied experiences like internships into your program will be crucial for navigating an evolving job market.

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

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 →