Anthropology at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

UNLV's anthropology program punches well above its weight nationally, with graduates earning 21% more than the typical anthropology BA holder—placing it in the 89th percentile nationwide. At $15,379 in median debt, it's also one of the least expensive routes to this degree you'll find. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a remarkably manageable starting point compared to most liberal arts programs.

The catch is what happens after that first year. Earnings actually drop to $31,316 by year four, a pattern worth understanding before committing. This could reflect graduates pursuing graduate school, taking nonprofit or fieldwork positions, or the broader challenge of translating an anthropology degree into stable employment. Still, even at that four-year mark, UNLV grads earn more than the national median for the field, and they're carrying significantly less debt to get there.

For a family concerned about both cost and outcomes, this program offers a low-risk entry point into anthropology. The minimal debt load gives graduates flexibility to pursue graduate work, internships, or lower-paying positions that align with their interests without being crushed by loan payments. Just understand that this degree likely isn't a direct path to steadily rising income—at least not in the first few years.