2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in Massachusetts

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University earned the #1 spot for value among anthropology schools in Massachusetts. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants.

2

Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bridgewater State University earned it the #2 place for anthropology. Located in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,734, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,632 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Bridgewater State University earn a median of $48,937 early in their careers. Set against $26,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

3

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

A rank of #3 makes University Of Massachusetts Boston one of the best values for anthropology. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $24,362. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $36,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

4

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public school located in the city of Amherst. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $24,120. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.

5

Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA

Students looking for strong value in anthropology will find it at Wellesley College, which ranked #5. Wellesley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wellesley. Students from in state pay about $67,176 in tuition and fees. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $11,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Wellesley College generally make around $31,973. Set against $11,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.

6

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University landed the #6 spot for anthropology value this year. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $25,250. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $26,934. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

7

Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA

Mount Holyoke College placed #7 among the best values for anthropology. Mount Holyoke College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of South Hadley. In-state tuition and fees average $67,018. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $21,178 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Mount Holyoke College earn a median of $19,655 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Holyoke College admits about 36% of applicants.

8

Brandeis University
Waltham, MA

Brandeis University placed #8 among the best values for anthropology. Located in the city of Waltham, Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,080. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Brandeis University earn a median of $35,390 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.

9

Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University came in at #9 for value in anthropology this year. Set in the suburb of Medford, Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Tufts University earn a median of $68,154 early in their careers. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.