Anthropology at Kansas State University

Kansas State's anthropology graduates earn $18,567 one year out—a startling figure that places them in the bottom 10 percent both statewide and nationally. Even accounting for the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates), this is roughly $11,000 below what anthropology grads earn at the University of Kansas and nearly $16,000 below Wichita State. Something appears fundamentally off about career outcomes from this program.

The debt load of $22,686 is actually slightly below average for anthropology programs, which typically hover around $23,000-$25,000. The issue isn't borrowing too much—it's earning far too little. When first-year earnings barely exceed $18,000, even modest debt becomes burdensome. For context, these earnings fall well below what many entry-level service positions pay, raising questions about whether graduates are finding work in their field or struggling to launch careers at all.

The small sample size means these numbers could reflect a particularly difficult year or a handful of graduates pursuing unpaid internships or graduate school. But they could also accurately represent a program that isn't effectively connecting students to employment opportunities. Before committing to this major at K-State, your child should speak directly with recent graduates about their job search experiences and post-graduation paths. If they're committed to anthropology, the in-state alternative at KU shows significantly stronger outcomes.