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Anthropology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,120/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.4x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #149 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 $517K $515K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.4x 7.4x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,764
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,584
89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,120/yr, roughly in line with the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 7.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #149 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of Massachusetts-Amherst in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,120-to-$45,584 earnings arc over five years reflects a 89% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

A 58% admission rate makes University of Massachusetts-Amherst accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 23,694 students enrolled in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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 Massachusetts-Amherst

Computer Engineering ($89,327) Computer Science ($88,554) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,452) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,414) Mechanical Engineering ($73,972) Chemical Engineering ($72,514) Industrial Engineering ($70,554) Civil Engineering ($69,757)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Anthropology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
At 27/100, 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 Massachusetts-Amherst?
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 →