Best colleges for Anthropology in Massachusetts
Ranked by graduate earnings
University of Massachusetts-Boston, Brandeis University and Boston University are the top bachelor's Anthropology programs in Massachusetts by graduate earnings. University of Massachusetts-Boston leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $36,565, College Scorecard. Harvard University, Boston University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst award the most Anthropology degrees in Massachusetts: 56, 45 and 40 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 15 Massachusetts colleges offer Anthropology and award 272 degrees and certificates a year in all.
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…
Top 6 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,565 | 20 | 49% | — | $24,362 |
| 2 | Brandeis University Waltham Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $35,390 | 33 | 86% | $25,074 | $26,000 |
| 3 | Boston University Boston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $26,934 | 45 | 89% | $21,956 | $25,250 |
| 4 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst Public · Bachelor's degree | $24,120 | 40 | 83% | — | — |
| 5 | Wellesley College Wellesley Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $31,973 | 14 | 92% | $19,292 | — |
| 6 | Mount Holyoke College South Hadley Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $19,655 | 17 | 84% | $26,083 | $21,178 |
Colleges awarding the most Anthropology degrees in Massachusetts
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University Cambridge Private not-for-profit | 56 | Not reported |
| 2 | Boston University Boston Private not-for-profit | 45 | $26,934 |
| 3 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst Public | 40 | $24,120 |
| 4 | Brandeis University Waltham Private not-for-profit | 33 | $35,390 |
| 5 | University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston Public | 20 | $36,565 |
| 6 | Mount Holyoke College South Hadley Private not-for-profit | 17 | $19,655 |
| 7 | Smith College Northampton Private not-for-profit | 15 | Not reported |
| 8 | Wellesley College Wellesley Private not-for-profit | 14 | $31,973 |
| 9 | Tufts University Medford Private not-for-profit | 10 | Not reported |
| 10 | Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Norton Private not-for-profit | 6 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 5 Massachusetts colleges offering Anthropology
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst College | Amherst | Private not-for-profit | 5 |
| Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater | Public | 5 |
| Stonehill College | Easton | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Williams College | Williamstown | Private not-for-profit | 2 |
| Hampshire College | Amherst | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Anthropologists and Archeologists (SOC 19-3091).
Top skills
What Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in Massachusetts
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Anthropology programs in Massachusetts.
Which Massachusetts colleges award the most Anthropology degrees?+
Harvard University (56 graduates a year), Boston University (45 graduates a year) and University of Massachusetts-Amherst (40 graduates a year) award the most Anthropology degrees in Massachusetts, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 15 Massachusetts colleges offer Anthropology.
What is the best college for Anthropology in Massachusetts?+
By graduate earnings, University of Massachusetts-Boston leads among bachelor's Anthropology programs in Massachusetts, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $36,565, College Scorecard. Brandeis University and Boston University follow. By degrees awarded, Harvard University is the largest, with 56 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Anthropology program in Massachusetts has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Massachusetts-Boston tops the list at $36,565. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in Massachusetts?+
The average annual wage for Anthropologists and Archeologists in Massachusetts is $107,710 (median $121,300), across about 80 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
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).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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