Anthropology at University of Connecticut

UConn's anthropology program outperforms most competitors nationally, placing graduates in the 89th percentile for earnings with starting salaries of $33,758—about $6,000 above the typical anthropology graduate. The $18,500 in median debt sits well below the national benchmark of $23,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that's manageable even on entry-level nonprofit or museum salaries. By year four, earnings reach $40,198, representing 19% growth that suggests graduates are finding pathways into better-paying positions.

However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, and they may reflect a few high earners rather than typical outcomes. Within Connecticut specifically, this program ranks at the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional—though that comparison includes the same university's regional campuses, which report identical data.

For a family comfortable with some uncertainty in the numbers, UConn's anthropology program looks reasonable: below-average debt paired with above-average earnings relative to the field nationally. Just recognize that anthropology itself tends toward lower-paying sectors, so even strong performance means starting salaries well below Connecticut's overall median. This works if your student is committed to the discipline and willing to supplement their degree with internships or skills training that opens doors beyond traditional anthropology careers.