Anthropology at University of Memphis
Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,112/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
10.7x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
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 | $437K | $442K | $424K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.6x | 10.7x | 10.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.4x | 7.5x | 7.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 26 | 26 | 23 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,376
Out-of-state: $59,136 (7.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,817
46% growth from Year 1
About University of Memphis
University of Memphis accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,645 students in Memphis, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary
$95,770/yr
Compare & Explore
Anthropology at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Memphis
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of Memphis's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 26/100 — 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 are Anthropology earnings lower at University of Memphis?
Lower starting pay at University of Memphis may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →