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Anthropology at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,851/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #54 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	$511K	$510K	$474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.8x	13.7x	12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.6x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	37	33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,144

Out-of-state: $111,412 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,720

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,727

9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,798

68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $27,851/yr, roughly in line with the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,727 against $27,851/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #54 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Western Washington University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $27,851-to-$46,798 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

Western Washington University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,574 in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 Western Washington University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Western Washington University?

At 37/100, 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 Western Washington 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 →