by our College Data Analytics Team
[Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/anthropology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for anthropology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in anthropology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Princeton University, our #1 best value for anthropology in New Jersey. Set in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $10,888. Anthropology graduates of Princeton University earn a median of $67,532 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,888 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
Rowan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #2 spot this year. Rowan University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $24,488. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $52,031. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Rutgers University New Brunswick one of the best values for anthropology. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $36,978. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Students looking for strong value in anthropology will find it at Monmouth University, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Monmouth University generally make around $43,243. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Monmouth University admits about 89% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.