Anthropology at Tulane University of Louisiana

A highly selective private university producing anthropology graduates who earn notably less than the national average raises immediate questions, even accounting for the small sample size. While Tulane's $24,042 first-year earnings beat Louisiana's median for anthropology majors, it falls into the 23rd percentile nationally—meaning three-quarters of anthropology programs elsewhere produce better early outcomes. For a family paying private-school tuition, that's a significant gap.

The trajectory offers some reassurance. Earnings jump 52% by year four, reaching $36,468, and the debt load of $19,500 is manageable compared to what many Tulane students carry. Within Louisiana, this program actually performs above average (60th percentile), though that's partly because in-state alternatives like LSU produce even lower earnings. The real concern is whether this outcome justifies attending an elite institution with a 15% admission rate—students with 1443 SAT scores and the academic profile to get into Tulane likely have options at schools where anthropology graduates earn $30,000+ right out of college.

The small sample size means these numbers could shift significantly with just a few graduates, so individual outcomes may vary widely. But if your child is set on anthropology at a private university, understand that this investment trades immediate earning potential for other benefits—location, prestige, or academic experience. Make sure those intangibles are worth the opportunity cost.