Anthropology at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State's anthropology program sits in an interesting middle ground among Colorado schools—earning more than half its in-state peers but trailing UC Boulder by roughly $9,000 annually. The first-year salary of $27,178 looks challenging, but graduates see substantial income growth, reaching $43,827 by year four. That 61% jump suggests many alumni successfully pivot into careers where anthropology provides a foundation rather than defines their path.

The debt picture offers some relief here. At $25,367, graduates owe less than the typical Colorado anthropology student and well below what similar programs nationally charge. The debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 means manageable monthly payments from the start, even with that modest first-year income. For context, this program ranks in the 30th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 70% of anthropology programs leave students owing more.

For families considering anthropology, this comes down to career planning. If your student views this degree as preparation for graduate school, nonprofit work, or pivoting into related fields like market research or user experience, the combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings trajectory makes sense. But students expecting direct anthropology employment should understand that first year will likely require budgeting carefully or supplemental support. The growth pattern after that, though, suggests graduates are finding their footing.