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Anthropology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,197/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #131 of 178 Anthropology programs

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 $650K $637K $567K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.0x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,875
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,379
223% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Anthropology graduates start at $16,197/yr, trailing the $28,155 national average by 42%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 10.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,875 against $16,197/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #131 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $16,197-to-$52,379 earnings arc over five years reflects a 223% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's 44% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 34,623 students in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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

Compare this program → View all 178 schools offering Anthropology →

Anthropology at Other Schools

Southern Methodist University ($56,550) Monmouth University ($46,302) Duke University ($43,924) Southern New Hampshire University ($41,986) Fordham University ($40,384) Dartmouth College ($40,071) CUNY Lehman College ($38,879) George Mason University ($37,081)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Anthropology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 29/100, 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →