Anthropology at Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,973/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #126 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 $437K $441K $423K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.7x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$257,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,032
61% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,973/yr, edging above the $28,155 national average for Anthropology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 1.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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

A #126 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Wellesley College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Wellesley College

Wellesley College admits 14% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, a smaller institution with 2,318 students in Wellesley, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $100,032 — 61% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wellesley College →

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 Wellesley College

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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Wellesley College?
At 30/100, 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 Wellesley College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Anthropology at Wellesley College?
The 61% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $257,280. At a net cost of $100,032, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →