
Below are the most affordable online anthropology degrees, which explore human societies, cultures, and biological aspects across historical and contemporary perspectives. This degree encompasses various subfields, including cultural anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic/biological anthropology, offering a holistic view of human existence and evolution.
Key takeaways:
- Affordability: The University of Alaska Fairbanks (at $8,670) and Thomas Edison State University ($8,856) offer the lowest tuition rates on our list.
- Salary outcomes: Oregon State University stands out with median earnings of $47,280, which places it in the top 13% nationwide for anthropology graduates.
- Online popularity: This matters for students seeking extensive virtual resources or a larger peer network, and Southern New Hampshire University leads with over 135,000 online students.
As we describe in our methodology, all tuition rates have been manually researched and verified to ensure accuracy, reflecting a commitment to providing reliable cost information.
2025 Most Affordable UU直播s for Anthropology Degrees
A Closer Look at the Most Affordable Online Anthropology Degrees
Anthropology is a field that explores human societies, cultures, and biological development across time and space. It offers a broad spectrum of career paths, from archaeology and cultural resource management to forensic science and global studies. But how do you choose the right program 鈥 one that balances affordability, academic quality, and potential return on investment?
The Cheapest Anthropology Degrees, A Fuller Picture
Affordability is crucial for anthropology students because the field, while rich in academic and research opportunities, does not always lead to the highest-paying careers immediately after graduation. Many anthropology graduates pursue roles in museums, nonprofits, government agencies, and research institutions 鈥 areas that are fulfilling but may not yield high starting salaries. This makes minimizing student debt essential for maintaining financial flexibility after graduation.
Programs with low tuition, like those at UAF, TESU, and SNHU, allow students to invest in their education without incurring excessive financial burden, making it easier to pursue internships, fieldwork, or even graduate studies if needed. Choosing a cost-effective anthropology program ensures that students can focus on gaining valuable skills and experiences without being constrained by heavy financial obligations.
Looking at Value Beyond Affordability
The cost of an online bachelor鈥檚 in anthropology degree can become one of the biggest deciding factors for prospective students. We are impressed that several universities in this group keep annual tuition well under $10,000:
The University of Alaska Fairbanks ($8,670), Thomas Edison State University ($8,856), and Southern New Hampshire University ($9,900) anchor the lower end of the cost scale. These anthropology programs cater particularly well to working adults.
Oregon State boasts some of the highest reported graduate earnings among this list, with a median of $47,280, followed closely by Colorado State University at $43,827.
At the mid-range level, schools like Oregon State University ($11,760) and Utah State University ($11,820) strike a balance between manageable tuition rates and high quality. Oregon State boasts some of the highest reported graduate earnings among this list, with a median of $47,280, followed closely by Colorado State University at $43,827. These figures demonstrate that an anthropology degree can yield notable returns, especially when paired with specialized coursework and professional networking.
Financial aid plays a critical role across many of these institutions. Western Illinois University, for example, boasts an average aid package of $15,632, placing it among the top 25% of schools nationally. Some schools, such as the University of Montana, ensure that 100% of their students receive financial assistance, which can dramatically lower net costs and lessen student loan burdens over time.
What Makes These Online Anthropology Programs Unique?
The concept of earning potential goes beyond raw salary data as well. Anthropology can segue into roles in cultural resource management, archaeology, social services, or international business, each with different median salaries. Programs with strong research components or specialized tracks 鈥 like Forensic Anthropology or Sustainability 鈥 can better position graduates for jobs in emerging fields. The higher the alignment between your personal interests, chosen subfield, and the specific opportunities offered by your college, the greater your potential for both job satisfaction and competitive earnings.
Programs with Strong Academic Support
Schools like Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Florida (UF) deliver well-rounded anthropology degrees that blend cultural, biological, and linguistic studies. OSU, in particular, follows a quarter-term system, offering multiple start dates per year for flexible scheduling. UF, meanwhile, boasts a 90% graduation rate and a 97% retention rate 鈥 the highest on our entire list 鈥 demonstrating strong institutional support and student success.
Fieldwork, Research, and Experiential Learning
If hands-on experience is a priority, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and Western Illinois University (WIU) stand out for their archaeology field schools. UAF offers a summer archaeology field school focused on Alaskan sites, providing rare opportunities to study Arctic anthropology. WIU integrates field research into its coursework and offers National Science Foundation-backed research initiatives.
For students drawn to applied anthropology, Troy University (TROY) provides extensive forensic anthropology and archaeology lab opportunities, making it a great choice for students interested in forensics or cultural heritage preservation. San Jose State University (SJSU) also offers unique courses like "Eating Culture: The Anthropology of Food," which reflects its focus on cultural anthropology in contemporary society.
Interdisciplinary and Global Studies
Several schools take an interdisciplinary approach, broadening career possibilities beyond traditional anthropology. The University of Arizona (UA) offers an interdisciplinary degree in Global and Intercultural Understanding, focusing on international relations and business applications of anthropology. Similarly, Florida International University (FIU) emphasizes global studies and cross-cultural analysis, aligning well with careers in policy, international development, and human rights.
For students interested in environmental sustainability, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a specialization in Environmental Sustainability, which explores the intersection of anthropology, conservation, and ecological policy. This is particularly useful for careers in environmental consulting, nonprofit work, and advocacy.
Online Student Success Metrics To Consider
As online education grows, certain schools have distinguished themselves in terms of student support and engagement. SNHU leads in online enrollment, with an astonishing 135,584 online students, demonstrating strong infrastructure and student resources. Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) also have extensive online enrollment numbers, indicating well-developed virtual learning environments.
In the field of anthropology, with its emphasis on rigorous research, critical thinking, and often hands-on fieldwork, strong graduation and retention rates can signal a quality academic environment and comprehensive student services.
Recommendation rates are another data metric that reflects how satisfied students are with their experience. For example, Utah State University (USU) boasts a remarkable 98% recommendation rate, suggesting that nearly all students found value in their education and would encourage others to enroll. Similarly, San Jose State University (SJSU) and Western Illinois University (WIU) have strong recommendation rates above 89%, reinforcing their reputations for student satisfaction.
Since anthropology students often seek mentorship, research opportunities, and networking, choosing an online school with a high recommendation rate can provide reassurance that students before you have found success and fulfillment in their studies.
Final Thoughts
Many of these programs share broad similarities but subtle differences in specialization, faculty expertise, and real-world learning opportunities can lead you toward a program that truly resonates with your goals. Those interested in fieldwork might lean toward schools offering summer digs or forensic labs, whereas students fascinated by policy or human rights might choose a program that stresses interdisciplinary or global studies.
No single 鈥渂est鈥 anthropology program exists for everyone 鈥 but armed with these data points, you can better gauge which combination of affordability, academic strength, student satisfaction, and unique features fits your goals. Whichever path you choose, a bachelor鈥檚 in anthropology opens doors to a deeper understanding of human cultures, a capability that鈥檚 growing ever more relevant in our interconnected world.
Student Reviews of Online Anthropology Programs
I am nearing the end of my first year at SNHU as a full time online student. It has been fantastic. The application and enrollment process was the easiest of any school I have attended. The online platform SNHU currently uses is Brightspace. Going from Canvas to Brightspace was a little confusing, but ultimately simpler and more user friendly. Before term starts there is a walkthrough tutorial on how to use it so if you read a review where someone complains about the online set up, it's likely because... Read More
Review Date: 11/27/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've been attending this school since October of 2016 and am at 60 credit hours (already in the process of transferring). I want to make it clear that I actually have no ill-will towards the school solely because I was well aware of what I was getting myself into. I enrolled here for two reasons: 1.) At the time, I could not afford to take the SAT or ACT to get into a better school. 2.) I had just finished getting my GED and my state had switched over to a new test that, at the time, many universities... Read More
Review Date: 12/21/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am very happy with Southern New Hampshire University so far. I'm on my fifth class and am impressed with the standardized blackboard, syllabus and learning module/weekly format. I've taken classes at 3 different schools including my local community college, I prefer the ones at SNHU overall. The teachers have been easy to get in touch with. My class login page has my advisor's photo with an announcement he posts as well as his contact information. He calls me once a semester to check in and regularly... Read More
Review Date: 7/6/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I graduated from UCF with my undergrad in Anthropology and I decided to stay for my graduate degree, simply due to my adviser. She is a wonderful and supportive person who works with me no matter how long it takes and is willing to listen. The cons to this school like many other schools is the financial aid department. I feel they need more experienced people at the desk, the majority of my set backs were due to people not listening.
Review Date: 9/10/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Eastern Michigan University has a moderately sized, nice campus thats not too big as to be overwhelming, but not too small as to feel cluttered or cramped. The staff are dedicated to the students and the professors are mostly very knowledgeable in their fields. My greatest complaint is how much the prices for everything increased over my years there, while the quality of school did not rise to meet the tuition hikes. Far too much money is spent on sports and on unnecessary cosmetic changes on campus... Read More
Review Date: 9/14/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Nevada, Reno is a small campus with an engaged student body. There are numerous opportunities to create a supportive social atmosphere based on similar study interests or career plans. The landscaping on the campus is beautiful and the surrounding area offers world class recreational opportunities! The faculty on campus are approachable and it is easy to meet with professors who teach their classes and know the names and capabilities of their students. The University culture emphasizes... Read More
Review Date: 3/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Purdue was the best decision even though I was initially against it merely because it was a public-state university. As soon as I set foot on the campus, I knew I had judged it too quickly. The faculty in the Anthropology program are all leading their fields. I was personally mentored by the man who developed the very techniques I was learning in other classes. They push you to shine where you find your interest. Get out in the dirt and find yourself along the way.
Review Date: 2/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UTSA Anthropology Department is growing a competitive Ecological Anthropology program that fosters knowledge in three fields of anthropology (cultural, archaeology, & biology). The department also promotes research in medical anthropology and conservation. The high quality professors (well published, well networked ) have commitments outside of UTSA, but they still make time teaching and advising.
Review Date: 4/8/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Going to UF was the best decision I made. Through on campus programs I made incredible connections with others as well as developed myself as a professional and a leader. The anthropology department was tightly knit and incredibly helpful through my academic career. I made great friends and learned many valuable lessons from my professors throughout. UF is a research school which was even applied through the liberal arts department in which we were provided many opportunities and tools to conduct... Read More
Review Date: 4/16/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The anthropology program at PSU worked out well for me, as I found a professor doing the kind of work that I wanted to do. While there is no linguistic anthropology here, the social/cultural, physical/biological, and archaeology focuses are fully represented. They also have applied anthropology, which is my interest and focus, which many anthropology programs do not have.
Review Date: 3/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Stony Brook University is a unique and rapidly growing research institution. It is for the go getters and the hard workers because nothing is handed to you, but all the resources are right at your finger tips if you reach. I have loved the community even through it is not your typical undergraduate college experience, but I see all my classmates being extremely successful in all their respective fields.
Review Date: 3/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I absolutely loved the Anthropology and Sociology department. They were extremely welcoming and constantly working towards wanting their students to succeed. The Professors were easy to access and were actively responsive with feedback. Campus life was manageable and the requirement for living on campus all 4 years positively impacted my college career. I would highly advise Saint Michael's to anyone. Vermont is an amazing place and Burlington is a great place or a night out.
Review Date: 3/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The New School is a great school and depending on your interests, work ethic and ultimately which school under the university title you attend it may be the right fit for you. I attended the liberal arts school during undergrad, Eugene Lang College, and am now a graduate student at The New School for Public Engagement studying in the graduate program for international affairs. My time in undergrad was wonderful! The seminar style setting in the classroom is great for those who do not wish to be overly... Read More
Review Date: 11/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
St. Lawrence provided top-tier professors who put their students first and unique, rigorous study abroad programs that reveal new cultures and ways of learning. The career services at St. Lawrence did not help me as much as I needed in terms of networking with professionals in my major (Anthropology) and they could only suggest opportunities in the Peace Corps or teaching English abroad. St. Lawrence is a rural campus, so taking advantage of their off-campus study opportunities is necessary for students... Read More
Review Date: 2/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
KU is an amazing school that provides excellent opportunities for all paths. I started off at KU in the medical field, but turned to the arts and letters because the electives they made us take. The professors are so passionate about their studies and helped aid me in the right direction even though they weren't my advisor. I wanted to attend a study abroad program that KU didn't host and they allowed me to get credit through the university, rather than go through the other university hosting the... Read More
Review Date: 3/15/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Anthropology department was going through some dot of changes. We only work with professors for just a semester, then we get new ones every semester. There wasn't a way for us to make connection with them. There were no full time Anthropologist in the department.
Review Date: 9/8/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Compared to other universities, UTEP doesn't have the stellar reputation or same status but it is a great place to pursue a college degree without incurring a ton of debt. During the four years I attended UTEP, my total tuition and fees came out to roughly $20,000 which is almost one semester's tuition at other universities. Along with the fairly cheap (at least by university standards) tuition, there is a wide variety of programs and degrees to suit whatever you are interested in. Faculty and staff... Read More
Review Date: 6/19/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The people are what makes this institution remarkable. I had tremendous professors, passionate peers, and countless opportunities to engage in rigorous academic and professional experiences. There's plenty to do on campus and even more to do in the Twin Cities. However, they might feel a little quiet if you're from a metropolitan area like NYC or LA.
Review Date: 3/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I decided to attend the University of Virginia at the very last second. It was nearing midnight on May 1st and I needed to make a decision. At eighteen years old, I had never left home for an extended period of time before, and the thought of moving to another state and away from my family was terrifying. With my family's encouragement, I paid my deposit and committed the next four years of my life to the University of Virginia. I never regretted my decision. I made lifelong friends in the marching... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Georgetown is a great school if you work hard and are serious about your future. The school expects a lot from its students and thus you will feel the pressure to be successful. Which is great in the long run. There are plenty of social activities to engage in and with the networking, you will meet so many people from around the world. You might even see a celebrity or two on campus.
Review Date: 9/27/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes