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Anthropology at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,822/yr (31% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 7.7x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #33 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The standout earnings for Anthropology graduates from CU Boulder reflect a unique blend of program rigor and regional opportunity. This isn't just about traditional academic paths; it's about the strong analytical, ethnographic, and critical thinking skills you'll develop, which are highly valued in diverse sectors. The Boulder-Denver ecosystem, rich with tech, biotech, federal research labs, and a robust non-profit presence, actively seeks professionals who can understand complex human systems and conduct nuanced user research. You'll find alumni leveraging their insights in roles from UX design at major tech companies to policy analysis within government agencies, or even project management in healthcare, where understanding social dynamics is key. To capitalize on this, focus on internships that translate your anthropological toolkit into practical business or research applications, building a portfolio that showcases your problem-solving prowess.

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	$510K	$509K	$473K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.8x	7.7x	7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.0x	3.0x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$65,720

Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,920

-31% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,583

6.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,958

36% growth from Year 1

About University of Colorado Boulder

A 83% acceptance rate means University of Colorado Boulder is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 Colorado Boulder

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Colorado Boulder's Anthropology program score?

This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Anthropology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Anthropology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does University of Colorado Boulder rank so high for Anthropology?

The #33 ranking out of 178 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

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