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Anthropology at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,079/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #48 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 50%

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	$697K	$680K	$598K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.1x	9.9x	8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.0x	2.9x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$68,912

Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,328

14% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,997

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,575

172% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,079/yr, roughly in line with the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $13,997 against $24,079/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #48 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,079-to-$65,575 earnings arc over five years reflects a 172% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor accepts 18% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor

Consider the Trade Route?

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?

At 37/100, 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor?

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 →