Anthropology at DePaul University

That $18,950 first-year salary should worry any parent investing in this degree. DePaul's anthropology program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs produce better initial outcomes. Even within Illinois, where several anthropology programs struggle, DePaul lands below the state median of $25,913, trailing schools like Northwestern ($33,208) and UIC ($30,648) by significant margins. The $26,533 debt load isn't catastrophic by itself, but when stacked against that first-year income, new graduates face real financial stress during a critical period when they're establishing themselves.

The 115% earnings growth to $40,730 by year four offers some relief, though it's worth noting this still reflects relatively modest income for a bachelor's degree. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—this data might not represent a typical graduate's experience, especially if outcomes vary widely year to year.

For parents considering this investment: unless your child has exceptional graduate school prospects or family financial cushion to weather those lean early years, this program presents considerable risk. The combination of below-average starting salaries and near-median debt creates a challenging launch into adult financial independence.