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Anthropology at University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,639/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #119 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 $399K $407K $398K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.4x 13.6x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.1x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,844
Out-of-state: $99,236 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,460
-72% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,639/yr, roughly in line with the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #119 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of North Carolina Asheville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of North Carolina Asheville

University of North Carolina Asheville accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,790 in Asheville, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Asheville →

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 North Carolina Asheville

Engineering, General ($73,410) Accounting and Related Services ($53,705) Computer Science ($48,076) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,945) Chemistry ($36,891) Mathematics ($33,651) Economics ($28,301) History ($28,205)

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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of North Carolina Asheville?
At 31/100, 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 North Carolina Asheville?
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 →