There is a lot to be said for the power that a professional has when they’ve earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology degree. These professionals have an education that revolves around human civilization and the massive development the species has made, spanning language, religion, culture, and continents. They are also well prepared to take on a research project, teach the field or otherwise expand the public’s mind about what is thought to be known about human existence.
And it all starts with a strong curriculum and a well-supported degree program from some of the best schools in the United States. These schools have high-quality programs that feature well-known practicing professionals, strong research relationships all over the world. Above all else, they have a commitment to a student’s education and their career pursuits.
Methodology
This ranking focuses on affordable schools, which is why a points-ranking methodology was used. Prior to ranking schools in different categories, schools were chosen for the base list by visiting the College Navigator database that can be found on the National Center for Education Statistics website. Once the base list of schools was identified, each school was researched carefully for curriculum options, program requirements, and more. The defining categories for this ranking, however, remain committed to affordability and are as follows:
Tuition
Tuition is calculated annually at 15 credit hours per semester.
Under $7,500 – 3 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 2 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point
The final 15 schools, listed below, were chosen based on the total number of points accumulated during the research process.
15. Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

Points: 3
Program Website
A low-cost entry in the anthropology field comes from Western Illinois, a great school for students who want experience in the field. The BA in Anthropology is offered both on-campus and online. The online program is currently ranked 7th in the nation in quality. It requires 120 semester hours of coursework along with a capstone course for graduation. Students have the option to pursue their own interests with this degree. Once they are juniors, students can choose to study:
- cultural anthropology
- biological anthropology
- archaeology
- linguistic archaeology
One of the most impressive parts of this affordable program is the school’s experience opportunities. Students can choose to:
- become a part of the Western Anthropology and Sociology Club
- take workshops or field trips
- work on research projects with regional institutions
- participate in the school’s Summer Archaeological Field School, a short-term study abroad program with sites in Puerto Rico, Peru, Ecuador, and Germany.
In-State Tuition: $12, 951
Out-of-State Tuition: $12, 951
Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1
14. Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan

Points: 3
Program Website
Eastern Michigan University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, a low-cost degree that is focused on cultural anthropology. This program is based on experience. This means that along with the 120 credit hours of coursework, students must also complete a culminating experience. This includes a course of their choosing and a Writing Intensive as well as an exit interview. The program features four subfields in anthropology that can be utilized as an emphasis area. These include:
- Cultural Anthropology
- Physical/Biological Anthropology
- Linguistic Anthropology
- Archaeology
Hands-on experience opportunities are also available, including:
- research projects
- study and research abroad
- internships
- the Archaeology Field School.
In-State Tuition: $12,508
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,508
Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
13. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Points: 3
Program Website
The BA in Anthropology program at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has a variety of exciting opportunities for students. The program has a variety of experiential learning opportunities to build an inexpensive and high-quality program. The Anthropological Research Center, houses two world-class research and teaching labs designed to help anthropology students with the hands-on training they need for their career. Also available is access to:
- The Anthropology Club
- the National Anthropological Honor Society
- a local chapter of Lambda Alpha
Students can also choose to complement their studies with internships, study abroad programs in Mexico or Ireland, or participate in real-world digs in the United States or Abroad. The school also houses the Forensic Sciences Lab and the Institute for Forensic Sciences, for students who want to work in forensic anthropology.
In-State Tuition: $10,574
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,622
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
12. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio

Points: 3
Program Website
An affordable Bachelor’s of Anthropology can be found at Cleveland State University. The BA in Anthropology is a 120-credit hour degree program. It culminates with a senior seminar that includes a real-world case study from the field. Students will have the ability to choose most of their own courses from a list of directed electives. This gives them the ability to build a degree that will fit their career goals. Students in this program also have the option to complete independent study in the field. This allows them to craft self-taught and guided courses in their emphasis areas.
In-State Tuition: $10,457
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,824
Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
11. North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota

Points: 3
Program Website
The inexpensive Bachelor’s in Anthropology at North Dakota State University is for students interested in experiential learning opportunities guided by experienced professionals in the field. The program offers students the chance to complete these experiences in:
- the Archaeology Materials Lab
- field schools
- internships
Domestic and international experiences, all with real-world applications, can be found at this school. This degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, 37 of which focus directly on anthropology and related disciplines. Students will need to complete these courses along with the Senior Capstone in Anthropology, to graduate.
In-State Tuition: $9,414
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,393
Student/Faculty Ratio: 20:1
10. The University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota

Points: 3
Program Website
The University of South Dakota offers students a choice when it comes to an inexpensive undergraduate anthropology degree. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are both offered, enabling students to choose between a humanistic or scientific approach to the field. Both degrees have similar requirements for graduation, including:
- 120 credit hours
- a junior capstone course
- a senior seminar
Additionally, students can choose to minor in Archaeology and Geography. A certificate in Forensic Anthropology is also available. This degree is a great choice for students interested in graduate work after graduation.
In-State Tuition: $9,061
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,425
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
9. Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio

Points: 3
Program Website
The low-cost Bachelor’s in Anthropology degree is available at Youngstown State University. While possible to complete as a general Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology degree, students have the option to complete minors in the following areas:
- Biological Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Forensic Anthropology
There is an emphasis on experiential learning. Students will have the chance to:
- complete digs at archaeological sites
- work on research projects
- intern in government offices or medical examiner offices.
The program, which requires 120 credit hours for graduation, has support for its students as well. The Anthropology Colloquium is an active student group that arranges several different outings for students. These include field trips and participation in regional and national conferences in the field.
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
8. The University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana

Points: 3
Program Website
The University of New Orleans offers the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. This low cost degree program is well regarded. the Department of Anthropology is a leading metropolitan anthropology center for the South. It continues to demonstrate its ability to be a cultural resource for the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas. Students are taught by a faculty who are active scholars. Professors are engaged in new and exciting research in the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean, and Australia. The program requires 120 credit hours for graduation. There are plenty of experiential opportunities engage students. Internships and community projects are offered every year. Partnering with the community on projects is highly encouraged. Students can take on research or conservation projects all over the city.
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Student/Faculty Ratio: 22:1
7. The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable BA in Anthropology is a flexible program offered by the University of Southern Mississippi. This program gives students the freedom to choose their own courses in the field, preparing them for graduate study or begin a career after graduation. Students start off their education with required courses. In their junior and senior years, they begin choosing their own courses, leading to a tailored program that comes from directed electives. This 124-credit hour program culminates with the Senior Seminar in Anthropology, which is also the capstone course for the degree. With a variety of options available for learning, students will find that it is possible to create their dream anthropology program.
In-State Tuition: $8,624
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,624
Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
6. The University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri

Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Central Missouri offers the affordable BS in Anthropology. This degree program was created for students looking for an affordable, high-quality degree. It will prepare them for graduate school or work with museums and cultural resource management. Students will find that the program combines classroom learning with hands-on training. Some examples of this include:
- field schools
- lab work
- research projects
- ethnographic interviews.
International experiences are offered every year. The program has a study abroad experience in London and offers a summer field school on alternating years. Courses in the degree touch on the five subfields of anthropology. The knowledge gained from them enable students to take required field-based experiences. The program has excellent faculty and small class sizes.
In-State Tuition: $7,673
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,442
Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
5. Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois

Points: 3
Program Website
One of the best places to learn about anthropologyis Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. This school offers the affordable Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science programs. Both are well-rounded programs. They incorporate classroom learning from practicing professionals, field experience, and even international experiences. Both programs require 120 credit hours of coursework and a Senior Assignment. Students won’t spend all their time in the classroom. The department believes that learning in the field and in the lab is the best way for students to truly understand anthropology. This school offers students the chance to:
- complete internships
- work in the school’s Ethnology Museum Laboratory
- work on community projects
- utilize the SIUE Anthropology Lab,
Study abroad experiences are also available. They can be completed either as a partnership between schools or as individual travel opportunities.
In-State Tuition: $12,132
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,132
Student/Faculty Ratio: 19:1
4. CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, New York

Points: 4
Program Website
CUNY Lehman College is an excellent, inexpensive option for prospective anthropology majors. This school offers both a BA and BS in Anthropology. The affordable BS in Anthropology has two tracks: Physical Anthropology and Criminalistics. They’re good choices for pre-med, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary students. These affordable degrees have different requirements for graduation, but both are taught by active scholars. A list of accomplishments by the faculty can be found on the website. Students can:
- participate in faculty research
- take part in digs
- work in local neighborhoods
The Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics program of the National Science Foundation also provides students with the chance to participate in research at the American Museum of Natural History. With a strong curriculum and supportive staff, this school is a great choice for both undergraduate graduate study.
In-State Tuition: $7,210
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,880
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
3. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico

Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable Bachelor’s in Anthropology at the Eastern New Mexico University is a great choice for students interested in specializing at the undergraduate level. The school offers the BA and BS in Anthropology. Emphasis options include:
- Archaeology
- Biological Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
It’s also possible to earn a BS in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Forensic Anthropology. Students will complete this low-cost degree by taking courses and working on hands-on projects. Projects include research at the Blackwater Draw Museum or participating in the university’s field school. Most of the faculty are practicing professionals. Some faculty specializations include:
- historic preservation
- cultural resource management
- Paleoindian archaeology
Mu Alpha Nu is the Anthropology student club. It hosts field trips and other opportunities outside of the classroom. Students with a strong interest in a field of anthropology will want to take a look at this school.
In-State Tuition: $6,326
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,247
Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
2. Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah

Points: 4
Program Website
Brigham Young University offers the affordable Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. The degree program is for students interested in having a concentration in archaeology. The school provides students with the option to tailor their major to any specific interests they may have in the field. The program requires 121 total credit hours, a field school and a senior thesis. This affordable program ensures that students have both the experiential learning opportunities and classroom learning that they need to be prepared professionals in the field. Students will find that internships, research projects, field labs and more are necessary. They will and will help them decide if they wish to continue with graduate work or move into the field straight after graduation.
In-State Tuition: $5,620
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,260
Student/Faculty Ratio: 20:1
1. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina

Points: 4
Program Website
There are a few affordable Bachelor’s of Anthropology degree options at Western Carolina. All of them are quality programs that will help a student meet their career goals. The school offers both the BA and the BS in Anthropology. Students may also add in a concentration in forensic anthropology. This low cost degree program helps students work in the field or move into a variety of other fields, such as:
- museum studies
- international relations
- public archaeology
Students will find that the 120-credit hour graduation requirement will enable them to take on a second major or two minors, giving them the opportunity to expand their knowledge of anthropology as it relates to another discipline. The program also requires engaged learning requirements. These include:
- study abroad
- an internship
- an independent learning experience, and more
This requirement will help solidify a student’s understanding of the field so they can go into the field as prepared professionals.
In-State Tuition: $3,926
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,926
Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology?
- Anthropologist
- Museum Curator
- Forensic Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
- Foreign Language Officer
- International Nonprofit Administrator
- Local Government Officer
- Professor
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Forensic Anthropologist
- Community Development Worker
- Public Policy Analyst
- Social Media Specialist
- Associate Researcher
- Paralegal
- Urban Planning Researcher
Students will also note that while there are a variety of career options available with the undergraduate degree, a graduate or specialist degree can open up more career options. Students with a degree in anthropology are well suited to go into medical or law school, work in forensic anthropology, become senior researchers, and more.
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
The current salary range for professionals with a degree in anthropology ranges from $25,000 to over $100,000. Students will find that their chosen specialty and any minors, certificates, or dual majors that they have also earned may play a large role in their salary choices when searching for a job.
Anthropologists make between $50,000 to $100,000 once they have had at least five years of experience in the field. Salaries for this particular career start at $30,000 and rise significantly in the first few years in the field.
However, anthropology is a field that lends itself to a variety of other careers. For instance, a student who chooses to pursue forensic anthropology may make $75,000 a year provided they have received the certificate and can point to published research papers or have other significant achievements while their time at their university. Other students may find that they can become associate professors or researchers, who have salaries that range from $35,000 to $50,000 for entry-level positions.
What are the Various Disciplines of Anthropology?
Anthropology is one of the largest fields in the liberal arts. It encompasses:
- medicine
- geography
- law
- political science
- linguistics
- religion
- philosophy
- history
- art
- archaeology
- psychology
- sociology
Students will also need to focus on scientific forms of research within their programs as well They need to learn how to quantify findings and communicate those findings in both oral and written form.
There are also subdisciplines within the field. Most focus on one field or aspect of anthropology. Examples include:
- linguistic anthropology, the study of language and its influence on social life
- archaeology, the study of past civilizations through materials left behind
- museum anthropology, the study of the history of museums and how it is impacted by societal change
- forensic anthropology, the study of skeletal or decomposed remains to aid in a criminal investigation.
What is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology?
This is a great question, because the answer may change some students’ minds about which avenue they should take for their undergraduate degree in the field.
A Bachelor of Art in Anthropology is a degree that focuses on the liberal arts aspects of the field. Students in this degree will take on language and humanities courses. These will help them prepare for a career in academia as a researcher or professor. Many schools with a Bachelor of Arts degree have requirements for linguistics, something that is not so prevalent in Bachelor of Science degrees but is needed for research purposes into the findings already conducted in the field.
In contrast, a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology degree is science-based, as the name suggests. It’s for students interested in field research or who want to go into the sciences, such as medicine or dentistry. The program requires many labs and science courses. It’s a great choice for students interested in entering medical school. A study done by Baylor University suggests that anthropology majors have a higher rate of acceptance into medical schools than students who major in pre-med or another science.
The biggest difference between a BA and a BS is the path a student wants to take. Science-minded students interested in working in the medical or forensic fields will want to complete a BS while students interested in academia will want to look into BA degrees.
Are Certificates or Concentrations Available for Anthropology Majors?
Yes, but not all schools will have the ones listed below. Students will find that many colleges will have a few to ensure that students find the concentration to be informative and helpful when planning their career. Others offer either certificates or concentrations, but not both.
Sample concentrations include:
- archaeology
- biological/physical anthropology
- cultural anthropology
- linguistic anthropology
Students will find that a certificate in forensic anthropology is also very common in the field.
Many schools do not offer concentrations at all. Instead, they offer minors in related fields such as:
- history
- archaeology
- family sociology
- criminal justice
- geography
- political science
- geographic information systems
Anthropology is considered to be an interdisciplinary field. It lends itself well to other fields of study, allowing students to cross over into another field and still use their education.
Students with specific interests are encouraged to speak with an admissions counselor before enrolling. They may find that the school offers them the chance to dual major in their chosen fields of study or create a personalized form of independent study in their interests. Not all schools will allow this. But for students with a strong understanding of the career they wish to pursue, it can be a great way for them to get the training and education they need.
Is There a Quality Difference Between Affordable and Expensive Schools for an Undergraduate Degree in Anthropology?
Absolutely not. Tuition prices in the United States are often set by the school, which takes different things into consideration, such as:
- improving school facilities
- upgrading curriculum requirements
- paying for faculty and staff, and more
However, an affordable school can have a high-quality program without the high price tag, just as an expensive program doesn’t necessarily denote a high-quality degree.
One thing to keep in mind about the cost of a college degree is that several factors play a role in how expensive a school is. Newly renovated campuses, or large campuses, often have higher campus facility fees than smaller colleges and universities. Additionally, schools that have upgraded their technical equipment, which is important for students in the anthropology field, may have higher tuition fees to help cover the cost of the installation and maintenance of the equipment.
Another thing to keep in mind is that private schools, as a general rule, cost more than public schools. This is because these schools do not receive any money from the government, which means that they cannot subsidize the cost of tuition and pass the savings on to the student. There are many great private and public schools with excellent anthropology programs, and the price of the degree is often the only difference.
The final thing to keep in mind is the anthropology department at a school. Most institutions with an academic reputation in this field have well-designed programs. They have practicing professionals on faculty and with partnerships with other leading prestigious research firms and schools in the field. This is worth the price of admittance because for a student who wants to work in the field, having access to a high-quality program and a network of like-minded professionals is key. These programs may cost a little more, due to the salary of the professors, but most students will find that it is well justified.
Many state and public schools have excellent programs that can rival even Ivy League schools, so it is important that a student do their research on the subject. Look for schools that offer strong anthropology programs, that have partnerships with other institutions. Check to see if they have access to study abroad programs in the field, and more.
Anthropology is the main field of study for learning about human societies and their development. With so many cultures around the world developing at different rates, the field is important to the general understanding of human psychology and sociology. It is a field that needs more passionate students to become leaders, pioneering new research and new perspectives. With a Bachelor’s in Anthropology degree in hand, students will be well prepared to meet the new demand for anthropologists and like-minded professionals.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the Top 15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Anthropology.
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