by our College Data Analytics Team
[Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/anthropology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong anthropology education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value anthropology schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in anthropology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Idaho State University tops our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools in Idaho. Set in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,610, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $24,640 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $51,446. Set against $24,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boise State University earned it the #2 place for anthropology. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Students borrow a median of $29,572 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Boise State University generally make around $37,781. Set against $29,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.