Anthropology at Temple University

Temple's anthropology program outperforms both Pennsylvania and national benchmarks, with graduates earning $43,997 four years out—significantly above the state median of $25,742 and placing in the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania schools. The program also carries relatively manageable debt at $26,000, lower than most anthropology programs nationally. That said, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year, so they're more of a directional signal than a guarantee.

The trajectory looks promising: earnings jump 45% between year one and year four, suggesting graduates find their footing after an initially modest start at $30,261. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means your child would owe less than one year's first salary—a reasonable position for a liberal arts degree. For context, anthropology is rarely a high-earning field immediately after graduation, but Temple's graduates appear to fare better than most of their Pennsylvania peers in the same major.

The main caveat is that small sample size. These numbers could represent a particularly successful cohort rather than a consistent outcome. If your child is genuinely passionate about anthropology and planning graduate school or willing to navigate a less linear career path, Temple's combination of lower debt and above-average earnings makes it a defensible choice. Just recognize you're looking at limited data rather than a long track record.