Best colleges for Anthropology in Washington
Ranked by graduate earnings
University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Western Washington University and Washington State University are the top bachelor's Anthropology programs in Washington by graduate earnings. University of Washington-Seattle Campus leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $32,778, College Scorecard. Western Washington University, University of Washington-Seattle Campus and Washington State University award the most Anthropology degrees in Washington: 58, 56 and 45 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 8 Washington colleges offer Anthropology and award 207 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 4 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 Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,778 | 56 | 85% | — | $12,000 |
| 2 | Western Washington University Bellingham Public · Bachelor's degree | $27,851 | 58 | 65% | — | $22,000 |
| 3 | Washington State University Pullman Public · Bachelor's degree | $25,519 | 45 | 60% | — | $18,500 |
| 4 | Central Washington University Ellensburg Public · Bachelor's degree | $20,318 | 21 | 54% | — | $22,500 |
Colleges awarding the most Anthropology degrees in Washington
Top 8 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 | Western Washington University Bellingham Public | 58 | $27,851 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle Public | 56 | $32,778 |
| 3 | Washington State University Pullman Public | 45 | $25,519 |
| 4 | Central Washington University Ellensburg Public | 21 | $20,318 |
| 5 | Whitman College Walla Walla Private not-for-profit | 12 | Not reported |
| 6 | Eastern Washington University Cheney Public | 10 | Not reported |
| 7 | Seattle University Seattle Private not-for-profit | 4 | Not reported |
| 8 | Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma Private not-for-profit | 1 | Not reported |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Anthropologists and Archeologists (SOC 19-3091).
Top skills
What Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in Washington
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Anthropology programs in Washington.
Which Washington colleges award the most Anthropology degrees?+
Western Washington University (58 graduates a year), University of Washington-Seattle Campus (56 graduates a year) and Washington State University (45 graduates a year) award the most Anthropology degrees in Washington, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 8 Washington colleges offer Anthropology.
What is the best college for Anthropology in Washington?+
By graduate earnings, University of Washington-Seattle Campus leads among bachelor's Anthropology programs in Washington, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $32,778, College Scorecard. Western Washington University and Washington State University follow. By degrees awarded, Western Washington University is the largest, with 58 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Anthropology program in Washington has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Washington-Seattle Campus tops the list at $32,778. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in Washington?+
The average annual wage for Anthropologists and Archeologists in Washington is $81,460 (median $74,790), across about 260 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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