Location: Bowling Green, KY•In-State Tuition: $11,436•Out-of-State Tuition: $27,000•Admission Rate: 97%•Avg SAT: 977
Median Earnings (1yr)
$19,495
5th percentile
25th percentile in Kentucky
Est. Median Debt
$22,641
Est. from national median (164 programs)
Sample: 16 graduates Limited data

Where Western Kentucky University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all anthropology bachelors's programs nationally

Western Kentucky University (estimated ±10%)Other anthropology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Western Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Western Kentucky University earns $19k — 5th percentile among anthropology bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Western Kentucky University$19,495$29,006+49%
Duke University$43,924$65,916+50%
Brandeis University$35,390$54,960+55%
University of Kentucky$25,668$41,175+60%
University of Louisville$29,966$37,708+26%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Anthropology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green$11,436$19,495$29,006$22,641*—
University of LouisvilleLouisville$12,828$29,966$37,708$23,000*0.77
University of KentuckyLexington$13,212$25,668$41,175$22,494*0.88
National Median—$27,806—$23,000*0.83
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with anthropology graduates

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

$67,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Anthropologists and Archeologists

Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.

$64,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

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 Western Kentucky University, approximately 29% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.