Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Anthropology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pacific Lutheran University$33,469
University of Washington-Seattle Campus$32,778$51,191$12,0000.37
Western Washington University$27,851$43,549$22,0000.79
Washington State University$25,519$31,287$18,5000.72
Central Washington University$20,318$37,042$22,5001.11
National Median$27,806$23,0000.83

Other Anthropology Programs in Washington

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle
$12,643$32,778$12,000
Western Washington University
Bellingham
$9,286$27,851$22,000
Washington State University
Pullman
$12,997$25,519$18,500
Central Washington University
Ellensburg
$9,192$20,318$22,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Pacific Lutheran University, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.