Anthropology at California State University-Chico

Chico State's anthropology program lands right at California's median for first-year earnings at $27,856, but ranks in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful distinction in a state with 47 competing programs. The earnings essentially flatline over the next three years, growing just 1%, which means graduates aren't seeing the salary progression that typically comes with early career experience. With debt at $19,833, the 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable in absolute terms, though graduates are carrying more debt than 71% of anthropology programs nationally.

The real challenge here is the lack of upward momentum. While starting near $28,000 isn't unusual for anthropology majors (it matches the national median), the stagnant earnings through year four suggest graduates may be stuck in entry-level positions or facing a saturated local job market. Compare this to UC Santa Barbara or even Sacramento State, where anthropology grads earn $3,000-$4,000 more annually—that gap compounds significantly over a career.

For families paying in-state tuition, this program won't saddle students with crushing debt, but it's not building clear pathways to higher-paying work. If your child is passionate about anthropology, consider whether they're prepared for graduate school (often necessary for career advancement in this field) or have a specific application in mind—cultural resource management, museum work, or pivoting to related fields that value research skills.