Analysis
Ashford University's Anthropology program shows earnings that significantly outpace both national and California averages—graduates earn $34,382 in their first year compared to just $27,806 nationally. That 93rd percentile national ranking is impressive, and while the 60th percentile within California is more modest, it still means this program outearns half of anthropology degrees in a competitive state market. The 14% earnings growth to $39,200 by year four suggests reasonable career progression.
The problem is debt. At $41,859, graduates carry nearly double the national median ($23,000) and 2.5 times the California median ($16,834). That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.22—meaning you'd owe more than an entire year's salary. Even UC Berkeley and UCLA anthropology grads, who earn similar amounts, typically carry far less debt due to in-state tuition advantages. For context, this program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt levels.
However, treat these numbers cautiously—the sample size is under 30 graduates. That said, if the data holds, you're looking at a program where strong earnings performance gets undermined by excessive borrowing costs. Unless your family can significantly reduce that debt burden through scholarships or alternative funding, the California State system offers comparable career outcomes at a fraction of the financial risk.
Where Ashford University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all anthropology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ashford University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford University | $34,382 | $39,200 | +14% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $28,661 | $54,062 | +89% |
| San Francisco State University | $28,314 | $50,875 | +80% |
| California State University-Fullerton | $26,794 | $48,746 | +82% |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $31,420 | $48,435 | +54% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Anthropology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (47 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $34,382 | $39,200 | $41,859 | 1.22 |
 California State University-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $32,460 | $44,404 | $20,675 | 0.64 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $32,300 | $46,401 | $15,000 | 0.46 |
 Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park | $8,190 | $31,744 | $40,381 | $19,249 | 0.61 |
 University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara | $14,965 | $31,420 | $48,435 | $19,500 | 0.62 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $30,509 | $44,884 | $16,667 | 0.55 |
| National Median | — | $27,806 | — | $23,000 | 0.83 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with anthropology graduates
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ashford University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.