Anthropology at University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,543/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
9.0x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
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 | $558K | $552K | $505K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.1x | 9.0x | 8.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.0x | 3.0x | 2.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 36 | 31 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,445
87% growth from Year 1
About University of California-San Diego
Admission to University of California-San Diego is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary
$95,770/yr
Compare & Explore
Anthropology at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of California-San Diego
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of California-San Diego?
At 36/100, 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-San Diego?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →