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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in Michigan

8 Colleges in the United States
$25,258 Avg Student Debt
$58,996 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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools to find the best return on investment for anthropology students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in Michigan

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

Best Value Anthropology Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Michigan Ann Arbor the best value for a degree in anthropology in Michigan. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $14,623 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $24,079 early in their careers. Set against $14,623 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in anthropology will find it at Wayne State University, which ranked #2. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,493 in student loans. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $26,858. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Michigan University earned it the #3 place for anthropology. Eastern Michigan University is a large public school located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the anthropology program here. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $47,887. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

4

Students looking for strong value in anthropology will find it at Grand Valley State University, which ranked #4. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $27,000. Anthropology graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $27,350 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.

5

Northern Michigan University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Set in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,322 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,944. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $22,608 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Northern Michigan University earn a median of $40,508 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Michigan University admits about 84% of applicants.

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6

Western Michigan University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $22,670. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.

7
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #7 for value in anthropology this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $28,084. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $28,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 16 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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