Anthropology at California State University-Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach's Anthropology program starts graduates at a challenging $22,351—well below both the state median ($27,856) and national average ($27,806). That's concerning enough to rank in just the 25th percentile among California's 47 anthropology programs. However, the debt load deserves attention: at $12,500, it's nearly half the state median and among the lowest nationally, keeping that first-year debt-to-earnings ratio relatively manageable at 0.56.

The earnings trajectory tells a more optimistic story. By year four, graduates reach $37,377, a 67% jump that outpaces typical growth for this field and lands them above even UCLA's anthropology grads. This suggests the program's career preparation, while taking longer to materialize, ultimately delivers solid outcomes. With half of students receiving Pell grants, many come from lower-income backgrounds and are likely working while building toward better positions.

The verdict: this program requires patience and probably a day job during those first couple years, but the combination of minimal debt and strong four-year earnings makes it a viable path—particularly for students who need to stay close to home and avoid heavy borrowing. Just know your child will likely need financial support or supplemental income during that initial adjustment period.