Anthropology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona's anthropology program stands out for one compelling reason: graduates leave with less than half the typical debt burden. At $11,000, this is extraordinarily low—not just compared to the $23,000 national median, but even against California's $16,834 average. For a family worried about student loans, this program delivers the credential with minimal financial risk.

The earnings picture is more modest. Starting at $27,750, graduates earn right at the national average but fall slightly below the California median. Among California's 47 anthropology programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile—meaning graduates at UCLA, Sacramento State, and several others start about $4,000-$7,000 higher. However, earnings grow 25% by year four, reaching $34,551, which suggests graduates find better footing with experience. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means the total debt equals less than five months of that first year's salary.

The caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 recent graduates, so your child's experience could vary. But the fundamental value proposition holds—if you're choosing an anthropology degree, getting it without crushing debt matters more than squeezing out another few thousand in starting salary. Cal Poly Pomona accomplishes that, serving a largely first-generation student body (46% Pell-eligible) without loading them up with unmanageable loans.