Why Choose an Anthropology Degree?
Anthropology is an interesting degree in which students can study the diversity of human cultures. They will learn about heredity and evolution as well as the implication of laws and processes on individuals in the population.
There are many benefits to seeking a degree in anthropology, such as having a wide range of career options. Jobs are available in history, language and other cultural fields. Some work as contract archaeologists while others work as forensic anthropologists.
Top 5 Anthropology Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The City College of New York | New York City, New York |
| 2 | California State University | Fresno, California |
| 3 | California State University | Los Angeles, California |
| 4 | Saint Cloud State University | St. Cloud, Minnesota |
| 5 | Minnesota State University | Mankato, Minnesota |
Choosing an Anthropology Degree
Anthropologists have a median salary of $62,410 as of 2018. Some of the best-paid anthropologists make $80,000 or more a year. Employment in the field of anthropology is expected to grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029. This is faster than average compared to other occupations.
The following is a list of the top 15 schools where students can get an anthropology degree. They are ranked from the best to the worst based on tuition and enrollment.
The Best 15 Schools for an Anthropology Degree
The City College of New York
With a small student to faculty ratio, just 14 to one, The City College of New York offers an opportunity to learn with smaller class sizes. It has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with an optional concentration in medical anthropology. This is a traditional 4-year course.
School Overview
California State University
In Fresno, California, California State University offers a bachelor’s in anthropology that emphasizes cultural anthropology, physical anthropology and archaeology. Students are able to work in the field through the school’s Institute of Public Anthropology.
School Overview
California State University
California State University in Los Angeles has a student-to-faculty ratio of 25 to one and offers a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. The program requires 120 credit hours for graduation, and students can choose to go on to a master’s degree in the same discipline.
School Overview
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud State University offers a BA/BS in anthropology. Students may also select a minor in anthropology. This university has an archaeology lab as well as a biological anthropology lab, which sets students up to learn with hands-on activities.
School Overview
Minnesota State University
Minnesota State University in Mankato offers a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. Students must have an ACT score of at least 21 to enter the program. The school offers BS and BA programs. Students can also work on certificates in geoarchaeology and museum studies.
School Overview
California State Polytechnic University
California State Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Anthropology program. There are three tracks available including a track in applied anthropology, a track in archaeology and a general track.
School Overview
Sonoma State University
Located in Rohnert Park, California, Sonoma State University offers a BA in Anthropology that is a traditional 4-year course. Some of the classes include human behavioral ecology, sign languages and bioarcheology.
School Overview
Weber State University
Weber State University is located in Ogden, Utah, and offers a versatile anthropology degree program with an optional specialization with a focus in archaeology. To get the BA credential, students have to take at least 6 credit hours of a foreign language. A BS track is also available.
School Overview
SUNY College at Geneseo
SUNY College at Geneseo offers a Bachelor’s In Anthropology that has five optional concentrations. A few include archaeology and material culture, linguistic anthropology, and socio-medical anthropology. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
School Overview
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota-Duluth has small class sizes with just 18 students to one faculty member. The program focuses on sociocultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology. Students can select from a number of subspecialties like nonverbal communication or historical linguistics.
School Overview
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. Students take courses in cultural anthropology archaeology, biological anthropology and linguistic anthropology. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
School Overview
Brigham Young University
Located in Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology. Students in this program can go through courses in sociocultural anthropology and archaeology. The program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
School Overview
San Jose State University
Located in San Francisco, California, San Jose State University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with class sizes of approximately 27 students to one faculty member. The school is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
School Overview
Florida State University
Located in Tallahassee, Florida, students at Florida State University can get an Anthropology Bachelor’s Degree. There is an honors track available. Internships and independent studies are both provided for students who are interested.
School Overview
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with a student to faculty ratio of 20 to one. The program has an optional concentration in forensic anthropology and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
School Overview
Ranking Specifications
To get the ranking above, schools with the highest tuition or give in the fewest points. Schools with the lowest tuition were given the most. Schools with high enrollment were given lower points due to large class sizes. Schools with lower enrollment were given higher rankings based on smaller class sizes. The scores were combined and added together before being ranked into this list.
The information in this article is not guaranteed, and this list is subject to change.
Do you need help finding the right school for you? We can help you if you know the degree that you would like to seek.
Do you work at one of the schools on this list? Do you work at a school that would like to be on a list like this one? Reach out to us by email, and we will get back to you as soon as we can to help with your questions or concerns.