Anthropology at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU's anthropology program produces some of the lowest starting salaries we've seen for this major—just $21,787, well below both the national median ($27,806) and even Louisiana's already-modest state median ($22,914). That first year is rough, ranking in just the 14th percentile nationally. But here's what matters for Louisiana families: graduates show meaningful salary growth, jumping to $32,465 by year four. That 49% increase eventually pushes them above both state and national benchmarks, and the relatively modest debt load of $15,897 makes the early struggle more manageable than at many peer programs.

Within Louisiana's limited anthropology landscape (only 4 schools offer it), this program sits squarely in the middle for earnings despite being at the state's flagship. Even Tulane's anthropology graduates barely clear $24,000 initially, suggesting these wage patterns reflect Louisiana's limited anthropology job market rather than LSU's specific shortcomings.

The practical reality: families should plan for their graduate to need financial support or a second income stream during that first year out of college. The debt burden is reasonable enough that aggressive repayment becomes feasible once earnings hit their stride, but that brutal starting salary means this degree works best for students with fallback support or who are genuinely committed to eventually pursuing graduate school in the field.