Anthropology at Washington State University
Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,519/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
9.1x earnings multiple (4.1x 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 | $473K | $475K | $448K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.1x | 9.1x | 8.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.1x | 4.1x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 28 | 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)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (4.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,262
58% growth from Year 1
About Washington State University
Washington State University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,583 students enrolled in Pullman, WA.
See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →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 Washington State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Washington State University?
At 28/100, 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 Washington State University?
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 →