Anthropology at University of Illinois Chicago

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.