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Anthropology at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,858/yr (-5% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #102 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	$529K	$526K	$485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.2x	9.2x	8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.3x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	32	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$57,188

Out-of-state: $121,676 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,092

-3% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,486

11.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,665

81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,858/yr, Anthropology graduates from Wayne State University land near the $28,155 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,486 debt-to-$26,858 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #102 out of 178 programs, Wayne State University's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,858 to $48,665 over five years (81% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Wayne State University

With 82% of applicants admitted, Wayne State University prioritizes broad access, serving 15,676 students in Detroit, MI. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Wayne 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

View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Anthropology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wayne State University

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 Wayne State University's Anthropology program score?

This program scores 32/100 — 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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →