Home › University of Missouri-Columbia › Anthropology

Anthropology at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,926/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #72 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 $436K $441K $423K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.7x 7.8x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.2x 3.2x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,520
Out-of-state: $137,352 (3.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,556
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,430
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,926 at University of Missouri-Columbia come in 13% above the national median of $28,155 for Anthropology programs.

A 7.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $31,926 far exceeding the $15,430 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #72 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of Missouri-Columbia in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About University of Missouri-Columbia

University of Missouri-Columbia accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 23,118 in Columbia, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-Columbia →

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 Missouri-Columbia

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($85,400) Computer Engineering ($83,243) Industrial Engineering ($79,894) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,886) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,300) Mechanical Engineering ($71,800) Engineering, General ($70,366) Chemical Engineering ($69,950)

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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Missouri-Columbia?
At 35/100, 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 Missouri-Columbia?
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 →