Anthropology at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NC State's anthropology program occupies an uncomfortable middle ground: graduates earn slightly above average for the field—ranking in the 60th percentile both nationally and within North Carolina—but those $29,518 first-year salaries leave very little breathing room against the $26,000 median debt load. The 0.88 debt-to-earnings ratio means nearly a full year's salary goes toward loans, which is manageable compared to truly underwater programs, but still represents a significant financial burden for a field where six-figure salaries are rare.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) is worth noting—these numbers could shift considerably with more data. However, the pattern is clear: NC State performs respectably within the state but falls well behind elite options like Duke ($43,924) and UNC Chapel Hill ($36,211). For context, NC State graduates earn just $3,000 more annually than those from Western Carolina, despite the higher admission selectivity.

If your child is genuinely passionate about anthropology and understands the field's financial realities, NC State offers a credible pathway without burying them in debt. The relatively modest loan burden (25th percentile nationally) provides some flexibility for graduate school or transitioning into adjacent fields. But be clear-eyed: this isn't a degree that pays for itself quickly, and alternative career plans should probably be part of the conversation from day one.