Anthropology at George Mason University

George Mason's anthropology program posts surprisingly strong earnings—$37,081 ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, crushing the typical $27,806 that anthropology graduates earn. That's a meaningful premium. However, the Virginia-specific context tells a more nuanced story: at the 60th percentile statewide, GMU sits solidly mid-pack among state schools. The debt load of $23,937 is manageable at 0.65 times first-year earnings, though it exceeds Virginia's typical $19,067 for anthropology programs.

The real question is whether GMU's location in the competitive Northern Virginia job market explains these outcomes—and whether that advantage holds for anthropology majors specifically or just reflects regional wage levels. At $37,081, graduates aren't far behind some peers at more selective Virginia schools, but they're carrying more debt to get there.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift significantly year to year. For families considering this path, the combination of accessible admission (89% acceptance rate) and above-average earnings creates a decent floor, but don't expect anthropology at any school to be a financial home run. The debt is reasonable enough that the degree won't become a burden, assuming graduates find steady work in the DMV area where those wages are more attainable.