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2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in Pennsylvania

7 Colleges in the United States
$23,823 Avg Student Debt
$68,168 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Anthropology Badge [Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/anthropology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 31 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for anthropology students.

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2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in Pennsylvania

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in anthropology, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Anthropology Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania Western University the best value for a degree in anthropology in Pennsylvania. Located in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,436, with out-of-state students paying around $16,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 94%.

2

Students looking for strong value in anthropology will find it at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

3
Waynesburg University crest
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Waynesburg University earned it the #3 place for anthropology. Waynesburg University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Waynesburg. Students from in state pay about $30,480 in tuition and fees. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $55,588. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Waynesburg University admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Millersville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,486 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $22,326. That is a strong return on a $26,486 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $25,000. Anthropology graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $25,742 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

6
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Temple University earn a median of $30,261 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

7
Gettysburg College crest
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg College came in at #7 for value in anthropology this year. Located in the town of Gettysburg, Gettysburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,640. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,465 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Gettysburg College earn a median of $43,376 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,465 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

8
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #8 for value in anthropology this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

9

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #9 among the best values for anthropology. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 61%.

10

Franklin And Marshall College came in at #10 for value in anthropology this year. Located in the city of Lancaster, Franklin And Marshall College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $70,794 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,411 to complete the anthropology program here. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $43,020. Set against $20,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 28% of applicants are accepted.

11
Bryn Mawr College crest
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA

Bryn Mawr College earned the #11 position for value in anthropology this year. Set in the suburb of Bryn Mawr, Bryn Mawr College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,920. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $23,069. Anthropology graduates of Bryn Mawr College earn a median of $35,668 early in their careers. Set against $23,069 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.

View All Anthropology Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 31 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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