2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in Washington

1

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

For return on investment in anthropology, no school beat University Of Washington Seattle Campus this year. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $12,000. Anthropology graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $32,778 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

2

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Washington State University earned it the #2 place for anthropology. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $18,500. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $25,519. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the anthropology program here. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $20,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

4

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Set in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $22,000. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $27,851. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

5

Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

A rank of #5 makes Whitman College one of the best values for anthropology. Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Walla Walla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,050. Students borrow a median of $17,518 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of Whitman College earn a median of $32,345 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,518 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.