Anthropology at University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
48
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,669/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

The strong performance of the University of Houston's Anthropology program reflects its unique position within a major, diverse urban hub. Houston's vast economy, particularly the Texas Medical Center and numerous corporate headquarters, creates a surprising demand for graduates who can analyze human behavior, culture, and social systems. Your degree here isn't just theoretical; it often translates into applied roles in market research, healthcare administration, user experience, and even project management across various sectors. The program's proximity to such varied industries likely fosters a curriculum emphasizing practical, transferable skills like critical thinking, research, and cross-cultural communication. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships or research opportunities that connect your anthropological insights with a specific industry you're passionate about.

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 $549K $545K $499K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 14.0x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.1x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 48 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,844
Out-of-state: $88,764 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,412
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,125
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,286
59% growth from Year 1

About University of Houston

University of Houston accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 37,175 students in Houston, TX. With 41% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston →

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

Compare Anthropology

Other Majors at University of Houston

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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Houston?
At 48/100, 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 Houston?
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 Houston one of the best schools for Anthropology?
Among 178 Anthropology programs, University of Houston's #3 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 →