by our College Data Analytics Team
[Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/anthropology/anthropology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for anthropology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in anthropology, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in anthropology, no school beat Princeton University this year. Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Princeton. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete the anthropology program here. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $67,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.
A rank of #2 makes Montclair State University one of the best values for anthropology. Set in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $25,723 in student loans. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $31,018. That is a strong return on a $25,723 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Rowan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $24,488. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $52,031. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
A rank of #4 makes Rutgers University New Brunswick one of the best values for anthropology. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public school located in the city of New Brunswick. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the anthropology program here. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $36,978. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.