Anthropology at Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU's anthropology program starts graduates at $21,878—significantly below both the national median ($27,806) and roughly $2,700 under Tennessee's state median. While ranking in the 40th percentile statewide sounds middling, keep in mind that Tennessee only has 8 schools offering this degree, and this program trails behind University of Tennessee-Knoxville's graduates by nearly $3,000 annually. The 14th percentile national ranking is more alarming, placing it in the bottom fifth of anthropology programs nationwide.

The picture improves somewhat by year four, with earnings jumping 52% to $33,147, which is actually competitive. However, the initial debt burden of $20,793 creates a challenging first year where your child would owe nearly their entire annual salary. For context, this debt level sits at the 64th percentile nationally—higher than most anthropology programs despite MTSU's relatively affordable in-state tuition.

The critical caveat: this data represents fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers potentially unreliable indicators of typical outcomes. If your child is set on anthropology and cost-conscious, MTSU's in-state tuition advantage might justify the rocky start. But given the weak initial earnings and limited sample size, families should consider whether UT-Knoxville's stronger track record justifies the additional investment, or whether a different major at MTSU might better leverage the school's affordability.