by our College Data Analytics Team
[Archeology](/majors/social-sciences/archeology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 18 schools to find the best return on investment for archeology students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the archeology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Palomar College the best value for a degree in archeology in the Far Western Region. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,354, while out-of-state students pay about $10,650. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,300 ten years after entry.
Students looking for strong value in archeology will find it at University Of Washington Seattle Campus, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the archeology program here. Archeology graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $65,681 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Western Washington University one of the best values for archeology. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete the archeology program here. Early-career archeology graduates make about $24,061. That is a strong return on a $20,361 median debt. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.