by our College Data Analytics Team
[Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for anthropology students.
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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.
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh tops our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools in Wisconsin. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public school located in the city of Oshkosh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $21,653. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $50,590. That is a strong return on a $21,653 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Wisconsin Madison is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $19,775 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $59,877 early in their careers. Set against $19,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $27,000. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $33,261. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Lawrence University one of the best values for anthropology. Lawrence University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Appleton. In-state tuition and fees average $56,982. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $15,699 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,789 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,699 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
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This list is compiled 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.