by our College Data Analytics Team
[Anthropology](/majors/social-sciences/anthropology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. 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 8 schools to find the best return on investment for anthropology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in anthropology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Salt Lake Community College the best value for a degree in anthropology in Utah. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $10,855 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $42,031. That is a strong return on a $10,855 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Utah Valley University one of the best values for anthropology. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $16,478. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $51,242. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Weber State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $24,401 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Weber State University earn a median of $30,139 early in their careers. Set against $24,401 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for anthropology. Set in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $44,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Utah State University one of the best values for anthropology. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $21,000. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $27,831. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants.
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University Of Utah ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $22,887 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $27,844 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #7 for value in anthropology this year. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $54,507 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
This ranking is produced 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.