Anthropology at Monmouth University

Monmouth University's anthropology graduates earn remarkably well compared to their peers—cracking the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in New Jersey. That first-year salary of $46,302 isn't just solid for anthropology; it substantially outpaces the $36,978 median for New Jersey and nearly doubles the $27,806 national median. Graduates also see meaningful earnings growth to $52,135 by year four, suggesting the degree opens doors to careers with advancement potential.

The debt picture reinforces the value: at $25,500, it's actually below both state and national medians for anthropology programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that looks downright comfortable for a liberal arts major. Compare this to typical anthropology outcomes nationally, where lower earnings and similar debt create tougher financial math, and Monmouth's premium becomes clear. Even among the handful of New Jersey schools offering anthropology, Monmouth's graduates are pulling ahead of those from state flagships.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. But the overall pattern suggests Monmouth has figured out something about preparing anthropology students for the job market, whether through specific career services, regional employer connections, or simply attracting motivated students. For parents willing to accept some statistical uncertainty, this program demonstrates that a well-executed liberal arts degree can deliver tangible returns.