Anthropology at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's anthropology program starts graduates at below-average earnings but shows promising upward momentum. With first-year earnings of $26,735—slightly below both Texas and national medians—graduates face a rocky start. However, the 30% salary growth by year four brings earnings to $34,868, surpassing the University of Houston and landing closer to mid-tier Texas programs. This trajectory suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through, though it still trails UT Austin and SMU's stronger networks.

The $21,329 debt load is actually lower than typical for anthropology programs, both in Texas and nationally. That 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than a year's starting salary—manageable if they can weather those first lean years. Given UTSA's accessibility (88% admission rate, 42% Pell recipients), this relatively modest debt burden matters: students aren't graduating with crushing loans while figuring out how to monetize an anthropology degree.

The bottom line: This program performs in the 40th percentile among Texas anthropology programs, meaning there are stronger options in-state if your child gains admission to UT Austin or Texas Tech. But for students choosing UTSA for location, affordability, or admission certainty, the combination of below-average debt and genuine earnings growth offers a workable path—as long as they understand they're investing in year-four outcomes rather than immediate payoff.