Best colleges for Anthropology in Michigan
Ranked by graduate earnings
Michigan State University, Wayne State University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor are the top bachelor's Anthropology programs in Michigan by graduate earnings. Michigan State University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $28,617, College Scorecard. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan State University and Wayne State University award the most Anthropology degrees in Michigan: 56, 47 and 30 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 14 Michigan colleges offer Anthropology and award 211 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 | Michigan State University East Lansing Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,617 | 47 | 81% | — | $28,084 |
| 2 | Wayne State University Detroit Public · Bachelor's degree | $26,858 | 30 | 58% | — | $26,493 |
| 3 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Public · Bachelor's degree | $24,079 | 56 | 93% | — | $14,623 |
| 4 | Grand Valley State University Allendale Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $27,350 | 18 | 67% | — | $27,000 |
| 5 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $25,264 | 12 | 59% | — | $31,000 |
| 6 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $22,670 | 6 | 58% | — | $31,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Anthropology degrees in Michigan
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 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Public | 56 | $24,079 |
| 2 | Michigan State University East Lansing Public | 47 | $28,617 |
| 3 | Wayne State University Detroit Public | 30 | $26,858 |
| 4 | Grand Valley State University Allendale Public | 18 | $27,350 |
| 5 | Northern Michigan University Marquette Public | 15 | Not reported |
| 6 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant Public | 12 | $25,264 |
| 7 | Oakland University Rochester Hills Public | 8 | Not reported |
| 8 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Public | 6 | $22,670 |
| 9 | Albion College Albion Private not-for-profit | 4 | Not reported |
| 10 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti Public | 4 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 4 Michigan colleges offering Anthropology
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Flint | Flint | Public | 4 |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn | Public | 3 |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing | Public | 2 |
| Michigan Technological University | Houghton | Public | 2 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Anthropologists and Archeologists (SOC 19-3091).
Top skills
What Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in Michigan
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Anthropology programs in Michigan.
Which Michigan colleges award the most Anthropology degrees?+
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (56 graduates a year), Michigan State University (47 graduates a year) and Wayne State University (30 graduates a year) award the most Anthropology degrees in Michigan, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 14 Michigan colleges offer Anthropology.
What is the best college for Anthropology in Michigan?+
By graduate earnings, Michigan State University leads among bachelor's Anthropology programs in Michigan, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $28,617, College Scorecard. Wayne State University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor follow. By degrees awarded, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the largest, with 56 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Anthropology program in Michigan has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Michigan State University tops the list at $28,617. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in Michigan?+
The average annual wage for Anthropologists and Archeologists in Michigan is $69,800 (median $64,700). 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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