Anthropology at Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Arizona State's digital anthropology program delivers something rare: graduates earning 34% more four years out than at entry, climbing from $31,640 to $42,388. That trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, especially since the debt burden is relatively light at $25,500—less than a single year's salary even at the lower starting point.

Among Arizona's four anthropology programs, this one ties for the median, but the comparison tells an interesting story. While U of A grads start slightly higher at $33,094, ASU Digital's combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing quickly. The 75th percentile national ranking reinforces that this program outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationwide. For an online format serving many working students (38% receive Pell grants), these outcomes are solid.

The real value here is flexibility meeting practicality. Anthropology degrees often require patience as graduates build careers, but this program's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means students aren't buried while they figure out their path. If your child is drawn to anthropology and needs the scheduling flexibility of online learning, this is a legitimate option—particularly if they can keep borrowing under $26,000. The earnings growth pattern suggests graduates are converting their degree into real career progress, not just treading water.