California · Anthropology

Best Anthropology institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Anthropology program offers an in-depth exploration of humanity through the lenses of biology and sociology. Students will study human behavior, cultures, societies, and linguistics, both in contemporary contexts and throughout…

Institutions
132
offering CIP 45.02
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
2,174
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$30,509
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
23
College Scorecard
Median net price
$26,171
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
48%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Anthropologists and Archeologists
$79,420
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Ashford University
San Diego Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$34,382311%$26,445$41,859
2California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento Public · Bachelor's degree
$32,4605656%$20,675
3University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles Public · Bachelor's degree
$32,30019493%$15,000
4Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park Public · Bachelor's degree
$31,7441658%$19,249
5University of California - Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Public · Bachelor's degree
$31,42011383%$19,500
6University of California - Irvine
Irvine Public · Bachelor's degree
$30,5096987%$16,667
7California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles Public · Bachelor's degree
$29,3642853%$14,000
8University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree
$28,6618393%$12,949
9University of California - San Diego
La Jolla Public · Bachelor's degree
$28,5438486%$13,958
10San Francisco State University
San Francisco Public · Bachelor's degree
$28,3142650%$17,250

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Anthropologists and Archeologists (SOC 19-3091).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+3.7%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~800
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$64,910
typically Master's degree

Top skills

WritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionActive Learning

What Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in California

Jobs in California
1,060
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$79,420
median $74,100
Best-paying metro
$88,920
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

Related careers

Forensic Science Technicians
$99,390 avg · 3,100 jobs
Anthropologists and Archeologists
$79,420 avg · 1,060 jobs
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
$126,200 avg · 1,030 jobs
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
$123,540 avg · 690 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Anthropology programs in California.

Which Anthropology program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Ashford University tops the list at $34,382. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Anthropologists and Archeologists in California is $79,420 (median $74,100), across about 1,060 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Anthropology program?+

The Anthropology program offers an in-depth exploration of humanity through the lenses of biology and sociology. Students will study human behavior, cultures, societies, and linguistics, both in contemporary contexts and throughout…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop writing, speaking, critical thinking, active listening, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Anthropologists and Archeologists?+

The national job outlook is about +3.7% growth with around 800 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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