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Anthropology at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,668/yr (-9% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #125 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	$514K	$512K	$476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.7x	9.7x	9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	3.8x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	30	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)

$52,848

Out-of-state: $133,624 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,872

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

9.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,078

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Kentucky's Anthropology program produces graduates earning $25,668/yr — within striking distance of the $28,155 national average for this field.

A 9.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $25,668/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #125 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of Kentucky in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,668-to-$46,078 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Kentucky

A 92% acceptance rate means University of Kentucky is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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 Kentucky

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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Kentucky?

At 30/100, 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 Kentucky?

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 →