Home › University of California-Santa Barbara › Anthropology

Anthropology at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,420/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #26 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	$580K	$573K	$520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.7x	9.6x	8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	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)

$59,860

Out-of-state: $182,968 (3.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,300

8% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,000

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,077

85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,420 at University of California-Santa Barbara come in 12% above the national median of $28,155 for Anthropology programs.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,000 against $31,420/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of California-Santa Barbara ranks #26 among 178 Anthropology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $31,420-to-$58,077 earnings arc over five years reflects a 85% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Barbara accepts 28% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 23,205 students in Santa Barbara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →

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-Santa Barbara

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of California-Santa Barbara?

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-Santa Barbara?

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-Santa Barbara one of the best schools for Anthropology?

Among 178 Anthropology programs, University of California-Santa Barbara's #26 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 →