College ROI

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General

Anthropology And Archeology

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Anthropology And Archeology.

Entry Level Salary
$33,970
Median Salary
$80,000
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
26.1%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,200,000
Entry (Early)
$33,970
Median (Prime)
$80,000
High (Prime)
$85,734

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-151k
+245k
+292k
$25k / yr
-241k
+155k
+202k
$50k / yr
-330k
+65k
+112k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
26
$25k / yr
Never
34
32
$50k / yr
Never
45
40

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-221%
143%
186%
$50k / yr
-152%
30%
51%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate44.5%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Postsecondary teachers

4.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$13,967
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,873|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Management occupations

3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,692
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$92,644|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Elementary and middle school teachers

3.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$27,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,727|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Social scientists and related workers

3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,028
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,000|$97,900
openings
20,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.1%

Lawyers, judges, and related workers

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$133,600|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%

Physicians

2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$68,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$208,542|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%

Education and childcare administrators

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$53,528
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$82,350|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%

Secondary school teachers

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,337
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,000|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

Social and community service managers

1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$61,763
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,203|$80,390
openings
18,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%

Management analysts

1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$104,451
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,795|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
anthropology.Undergrad Certificate5Data N/A
anthropology.Associate's Degree68$51,157 - $51,157
anthropology.Bachelor's Degree428$29,754 - $90,915
anthropology.Master's Degree140$46,511 - $98,760
anthropology.Doctoral Degree98$63,613 - $74,535