Anthropology at Western Kentucky University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Western Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Kentucky University graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all anthropology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Anthropology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky University | $19,495 | $29,006 | — | — |
| University of Louisville | $29,966 | $37,708 | $23,000 | 0.77 |
| University of Kentucky | $25,668 | $41,175 | $22,494 | 0.88 |
| National Median | $27,806 | — | $23,000 | 0.83 |
Other Anthropology Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville Louisville | $12,828 | $29,966 | $23,000 |
| University of Kentucky Lexington | $13,212 | $25,668 | $22,494 |
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.