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
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%.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.