by our College Data Analytics Team
[Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/anthropology/anthropology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong anthropology education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value anthropology schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the anthropology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Harvard University earned the #1 spot for value among anthropology schools in Massachusetts. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $16,616. Anthropology graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.
Students looking for strong value in anthropology will find it at University Of Massachusetts Boston, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,898, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $24,362. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $36,565. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in anthropology will find it at University Of Massachusetts Amherst, which ranked #3. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public school located in the city of Amherst. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,195 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $24,120. That is a strong return on a $25,195 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.
Boston University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value anthropology schools. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of Boston University earn a median of $26,934 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
Wellesley College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Wellesley, Wellesley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,176. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $11,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Wellesley College generally make around $31,973. Set against $11,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Mount Holyoke College landed the #6 spot for anthropology value this year. Located in the suburb of South Hadley, Mount Holyoke College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,018. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $21,178. Anthropology graduates of Mount Holyoke College earn a median of $19,655 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%.
Smith College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value anthropology schools. Located in the city of Northampton, Smith College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,178. Students borrow a median of $18,941 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Smith College generally make around $40,436. Set against $18,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Smith College admits about 21% of applicants.
Brandeis University placed #8 among the best values for anthropology. Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waltham. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $35,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%.
Tufts University came in at #9 for value in anthropology this year. Set in the suburb of Medford, Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Tufts University earn a median of $68,154 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,074 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.