Analysis
Sacramento State's anthropology program delivers something surprisingly rare: strong earnings that actually grow over time. While $32,460 right after graduation sits only slightly above California's anthropology median, four years out these graduates earn $44,404—a 37% jump that outpaces most programs in the field. This ranks in the 80th percentile nationally, placing it above UCLA and all but one school in California.
The $20,675 in typical debt is higher than the state median but manageable given the earnings trajectory. That 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than two-thirds of their first-year salary, a reasonable starting point that only improves as incomes rise. For a university that serves nearly half Pell-eligible students, these outcomes suggest effective support for first-generation and lower-income graduates entering the job market.
The catch? This is still anthropology, meaning starting salaries are modest compared to technical fields. But if you're comparing anthropology programs—which you should be if that's your child's genuine interest—Sacramento State's combination of accessible admission, reasonable debt, and solid earnings growth makes it a smart choice within California's system.
Where California State University-Sacramento Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all anthropology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Sacramento 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Sacramento | $32,460 | $44,404 | +37% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California State University-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $32,460 | $44,404 | $20,675 | 0.64 |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $34,382 | $39,200 | $41,859 | 1.22 |
 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 California State University-Sacramento, approximately 49% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.