Anthropology at Ball State University

Ball State's anthropology program carries real financial risk that parents should understand upfront. Starting at just $24,452—well below both Indiana's median ($26,476) and the national average—graduates face earnings that barely exceed their debt load. The 0.96 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe nearly an entire year's salary, making loan repayment a squeeze even with income-driven plans.

The 42% earnings growth to year four offers some relief, bringing pay to $34,792, but this trajectory still lags behind programs at Purdue ($28,587 starting) and IU-Bloomington. Within Indiana, Ball State ranks at the 40th percentile for anthropology programs, suggesting this isn't a standout option even regionally. The debt burden here is also higher than the state median of $18,736, compounding the earnings gap.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. If your child is set on anthropology and needs an affordable Indiana option, this could work—but only with a clear plan for graduate school or a specific career path (museum work, cultural resource management, etc.) that justifies the investment. Otherwise, you're looking at years of modest earnings with debt that limits other life choices. Consider whether adjacent fields like sociology or geography might offer better financial returns while preserving similar interests.