2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #1 spot for value among anthropology schools in North Carolina. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $11,982 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $36,211 early in their careers. Set against $11,982 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.

2

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of $25,901 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

3

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Carolina University earned it the #3 place for anthropology. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $22,595 in student loans. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $28,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earn a median of $27,805 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

5

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

Appalachian State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Set in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from Appalachian State University generally make around $19,624. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Appalachian State University admits about 90% of applicants.

6

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University placed #6 among the best values for anthropology. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from East Carolina University generally make around $24,228. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.

7

North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #7 for value in anthropology this year. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $29,518. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

8

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington came in at #8 for value in anthropology this year. Set in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,277 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for anthropology graduates is $24,112. Anthropology graduates of University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn a median of $25,198 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington admits about 64% of applicants.

9

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University placed #9 among the best values for anthropology. Set in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of Duke University earn a median of $43,924 early in their careers. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.