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.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value anthropology schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in anthropology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Grinnell College tops our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools in Iowa. Set in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,196. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $17,154 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $38,888. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Iowa State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $27,607 in student loans. Anthropology graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $25,014 early in their careers. Set against $27,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
University Of Iowa came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,696 to complete the anthropology program here. Anthropology graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $27,221 early in their careers. Set against $25,696 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
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The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, 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.