by our College Data Analytics Team
[Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/anthropology/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. The schools below stand out for the salaries their anthropology graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying anthropology schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose anthropology graduates go on to earn the most.
Drew University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid anthropology graduates in New Jersey. Located in the suburb of Madison, Drew University is a private not-for-profit institution. Anthropology graduates of Drew University earn a median of about $51,563 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #2 makes Monmouth University one of the highest-paying schools for anthropology. Located in the suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career anthropology graduates from Monmouth University make a median of around $58,796 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at Rutgers University New Brunswick earned it the #3 place for anthropology. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school located in the city of New Brunswick. Anthropology graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of about $53,715 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in anthropology will find them at Rutgers University Newark, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Newark, Rutgers University Newark is a public institution. After graduating, anthropology degree recipients from Rutgers University Newark typically earn about $53,715 annually.
Montclair State University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in anthropology, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a public institution. Anthropology graduates of Montclair State University earn a median of about $31,018 a year early in their careers.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their anthropology graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 5 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.