Analysis
UIC's anthropology graduates start around $30,600—outearning their Illinois peers by 18% and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. That matters in a state where most anthropology programs cluster around $26,000, and it puts UIC just behind Northwestern while significantly ahead of both DePaul and Southern Illinois. The 24% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find their footing, with median pay reaching $38,000 by year four.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $24,348, creating a manageable 0.79 ratio to first-year earnings. This actually comes in below the national median debt for anthropology programs, which is uncommon for a field that typically starts with modest salaries. Combined with UIC's 50% Pell grant rate and 79% admission rate, this program appears to serve a diverse student body without loading them up with excessive debt.
The caveat: this data comes from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. Still, if your student is committed to anthropology and wants to stay in Illinois, UIC delivers competitive outcomes at a price point that won't require years of financial strain. Just make sure they're prepared for the reality that anthropology—anywhere—means starting salaries in the $30,000 range.
Where University of Illinois Chicago Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all anthropology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago | $30,648 | $38,139 | +24% |
| Duke University | $43,924 | $65,916 | +50% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $16,197 | $43,496 | +169% |
| Illinois State University | $25,913 | $43,391 | +67% |
| DePaul University | $18,950 | $40,730 | +115% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Anthropology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (16 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $30,648 | $38,139 | $24,348 | 0.79 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $33,208 | — | — | — |
 Loyola University ChicagoChicago | $51,716 | $26,977 | — | — | — |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $25,913 | $43,391 | $25,333 | 0.98 |
 Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville | $12,922 | $23,379 | — | $25,000 | 1.07 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $18,950 | $40,730 | $26,533 | 1.40 |
| National Median | — | $27,806 | — | $23,000 | 0.83 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with anthropology graduates
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
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 University of Illinois Chicago, approximately 50% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.