Bachelor’s in Anthropology: Top 50 Values 2024

anthropology

Key Takeaways:

  • Our #1 ranking school for the best value anthropology bachelor’s programs is Indiana University Bloomington, followed by University of Florida.
  • The list focuses on affordable tuition, financial aid, and diverse course offerings.
  • Students gain hands-on experience through internships, fieldwork, and study-abroad opportunities.

A bachelor’s in anthropology is a popular undergraduate degree for a variety of reasons. Not only is it an intriguing field of study, but it’s also the kind of broad liberal arts major that provides students with a strong foundation for graduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Whether you want to pursue anthropology as a career or use it as a jumping off point for graduate school, it’s important to find a program that provides quality instruction at a reasonable cost. In this ranking, we explore the 50 top value schools for an anthropology degree.

Featured Programs

Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
• Under $20,000—2 points
• Under $15,000—3 points
• Under $10,000—4 points

Students Receiving Financial Aid:
• 60%–1 point
• 70%–2 points
• 80%–3 points
• 90%–4 points

Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Concentrations and Specializations)—1 Point Per Customization Option
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option

Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us

Ranking the Best Anthropology Programs for a Bachelor’s Degree

To compile the following list of best value colleges for a bachelor’s in anthropology, our editors searched College Navigator for colleges and universities offering an undergraduate degree in anthropology for less than $20,000 a year. This search yielded 113 schools.

To narrow the pool, we used College Navigator’s data on tuition and financial aid as well as information from each school’s website to apply the ranking methodology above. What follows is the resulting list of the 50 top value bachelor’s in anthropology degree programs.

#50 – University of Colorado—Colorado Springs

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website
Points: 7
The University of Colorado–Colorado Springs offers a bachelor’s in anthropology degree program from its College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. In addition to the general education curriculum, enrolled students will take 36 credit hours of anthropology courses, including titles such as Introduction to Human Origins, History of Anthropology, and Nature of Language.

Students also take advantage of undergraduate research opportunities with support from two centers on campus: the Seyhan Dwelis Curation Facility and the Center for Cognitive Archaeology. An honors program is also available for eligible bachelor’s degree in anthropology students.
Tuition: $7,692

#49 – SUNY—College at Oswego

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Oswego, New York

SUNY College at Oswego is home to a robust bachelor’s in anthropology offering. The curriculum for this program includes core course titles such as Archaeology and Human Evolution, History of Ethnological Theory, Language and Culture, and Cultural Anthropology.

Students enjoy many opportunities for experiential learning, including archaeological digs throughout New York and in France and the Bahamas as well as internships and study-abroad experiences. Anthropology degree graduates are well-prepared for careers in museum curation, forensic science, and advocacy, as well as for graduate study in the field.
Points: 9

Tuition: $7,934

#48 – SUNY—College at Brockport

BA in Anthropology; BS in Anthropology

Brockport, New York

Website
Points: 9
SUNY—College at Brockport’s bachelor’s in anthropology program features both BA and BS tracks. Sample course offerings include Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Ethnographic Experience, Anthropology as a Profession, and Biological Anthropology Research Methods.

Although not required, all students pursuing anthropology as a major are strongly encouraged to participate in a field school, internship, or study-abroad experience. An honors program is also available for eligible bachelor’s degree in anthropology students in the BA track.
Tuition: $7,904

#47 – SUNY—Oneonta

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Oneonta, New York

Website
Points: 9
The bachelor’s in anthropology program at SUNY—Oneonta is a comprehensive offering, covering all four of the major subfields in anthropology: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, and Anthropological Linguistics. Students have the opportunity to study at the Pine Lake Archeological Field School at the nearby Hartwick College campus.

Other opportunities include travel-abroad experiences through the school’s Student Travel for Excellence Program and local, regional, and international internships. Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students may also participate in the university’s on-campus Anthropology Club.
Tuition: $7,870

#46 – Minnesota State University—Mankato

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Mankato, Minnesota

Website
Points: 9
Minnesota State University–Mankato offers two bachelor’s in anthropology offerings—both a BA and a BS in Anthropology. These programs are broad and cover all major subdivisions of anthropology, including archaeology, linguistics, and biological anthropology. Students in these programs have opportunities to gain real-world experience at a variety of field schools during the summer.

They also are able to enrich their education by participating in Anthropology Club activities. By the time they graduate, bachelor’s degree in anthropology students are well-prepared for both graduate education and careers in the field.
Tuition: $7,836

#45 – University of Alabama at Birmingham

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Birmingham, Alabama

Website
Points: 9
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is home to a comprehensive bachelor’s in anthropology program. In order to complete the requirements for the major, students must enroll in introductory anthropology courses such as Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Language and Culture as well as upper division classes, including Advanced Linguistic Anthropology and Advanced Physical Anthropology.

Students enjoy various opportunities such as internships, undergraduate research projects, and an honors program. Anthropology degree students will also be eligible for the many scholarships offered through UAB’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Tuition: $7,766

#44 – SUNY University of New York—New Paltz

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

New Paltz, New York

Website
Points: 9
SUNY—New Paltz offers a bachelor’s in anthropology degree program that emphasizes physical anthropology, archaeology and prehistory, and sociocultural anthropology. The curriculum is comprised of specific course titles such as Development of Anthropological Thought, Comparative Social Organization, and Research Methods in Anthropology.

Elective courses allow students to learn about diverse cultures in Asia, Mesoamerica, and South America. Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students are invited to take part in a field school during the summer in the mid-Hudson region of New York where they will participate in an actual excavation.
Tuition: $7,737

#43 – University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Little Rock, Arkansas

Website
Points: 9
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a bachelor’s in anthropology degree as well as a minor in the field. The curriculum is prescribed and consists of courses such as Anthropological Theory, Linguistic Anthropology, and Ethnographic Methods. The school also offers a unique, secondary teacher certification program for anthropology majors.

To obtain licensure, students must minor in both social studies and secondary education. Students with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology may also participate in the Student Anthropology Club, one of the school’s most active student organizations.
Tuition: $7,624

#42 – Wichita State University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Wichita, Kansas

Website
Points: 9
Wichita State University offers a customizable bachelor’s in anthropology degree program that allows students to tailor their studies around a particular subfield of anthropology or area of interest. Some course titles include Anthropology of Modern Life, Intercultural Relations, Cooperative Education in Anthropology, and Anthropology of Aging.

Students can take advantage of the department’s many facilities and resources, including the Holmes Museum of Anthropology, various research laboratories, and a department library, for instance.

Graduate assistantships are also available for students interested in anthropology.
Tuition: $7,528

#41 – University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Website
Points: 9
The bachelor’s in anthropology degree program at the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh is made available through the Department of Religious Studies & Anthropology. Courses required for the anthropology major include Language in Culture, History of Anthropological Thought, and Forensics.

Independent study projects are also available for students interested in a topic not addressed in the standard curriculum. Anthropology degree students also have opportunities to participate in excavations in the Midwest and the Ukraine as well as field experiences in Belize.
Tuition: $7,487

#40 – University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Website
Points: 9
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a bachelor’s degree in anthropology through its Department of Anthropology and Sociology. The curriculum is comprised of required courses such as Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology, Archaeological and Physical Anthropology, and History of Anthropology.

Students are required to minor in another subject and complete 21 credit hours of electives, allowing them to customize their studies according to interests and career goals.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students are also invited to participate in student organizations such as Lambda Alpha and the Anthropology Society.
Tuition: $7,334

#39 – University of Hawaii at Hilo

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Hilo, Hawaii

Website
Points: 9
The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s unique bachelor’s in anthropology offers an optional track in medical anthropology. This track includes standout courses such as Global Health in Evolutionary Perspective and Human Biological Variation.

Students must also take required anthropology courses such as Introduction to Language, Museology, Stone Tool Analysis, and Applied Anthropology.

Anthropology degree students are invited to join the Kuikapiko Anthropology Club, an active student organization that participates in service learning projects, educational field trips, and seminar series.
Tuition: $7,332

#38 – University of Texas—Rio Grande Valley

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Edinburgh, Texas

Website
Points: 9
The University of Texas-Rio Grande offers a specialized bachelor’s in anthropology degree program through its College of Liberal Art’s Sociology and Anthropology Department.

The curriculum is comprised of unique required and elective courses such as Introduction to Folklore, Great Discoveries in Archaeology, Religion in Society, and Anthropology of Women.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students are also required to minor in a related area and demonstrate a foreign language proficiency prior to graduation. The university’s holistic approach to the study of anthropology prepares its graduates for success in a variety of different careers.
Tuition: $7,292

#37 – CUNY—Queens College

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Queens, New York

Website
Points: 9
Bachelor’s in anthropology students at CUNY–Queens College can choose between a pre-professional track and a general anthropology track. Both tracks give students a solid understanding of all major subjects in the field.

However, the pre-professional track is designed to be more rigorous than the general track in order to prepare students for more demanding graduate programs or careers.

The anthropology degree program is meant to prevent its students from becoming too specialized too early, but students still have some room to explore their subject of interest.
Tuition: $6,938

#36 – CUNY—Lehman College

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Bronx, New York

Website
Points: 9
The bachelor’s in anthropology from CUNY–Lehman College prioritizes undergraduate research. This means that undergraduate students don’t have to worry about being neglected in favor of their graduate counterparts. Students have opportunities to conduct research under faculty supervision or complete internships.

Faculty members have interests in all aspects of anthropology, so students are able to study almost any anthropological topic that they are interested in.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students who graduate from this program are equipped with not only the knowledge, but also the experience necessary to be successful in graduate programs and their careers.
Tuition: $6,760

#35 – Georgia Southern University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Statesboro, Georgia

Website
Points: 9
Georgia Southern University’s bachelor’s in anthropology program gives its students both a broad and deep understanding of the subject. Students start with an introductory survey course that briefly covers all major aspects of the field, then move on to take advanced courses in all four subfields.

After this, anthropology degree students have the flexibility to either specialize in a particular subject or continue on the general track. Available specializations include Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Linguistics, and Applied Anthropology.
Tuition: $6,723

#34 – California State University—San Bernardino

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

San Bernardino, California

Website
Points: 9
California State University–San Bernardino offers a bachelor’s in anthropology that focuses on multiculturalism and gives students a solid foundation in all major subfields of anthropology.

The department offers many courses in each of these subfields, so students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the subfield that they are most interested in.

Students also have many opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships and independent study.

This bachelor’s degree in anthropology program gives students a thorough enough education to prepare them for a graduate program in anthropology, but it is also well-rounded enough to allow students to pursue graduate studies in other related fields.
Tuition: $6,577

#33 – California State University—Los Angeles

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Los Angeles, California

Website
Points: 9
The Department of Anthropology at California State University–Los Angeles offers a bachelor’s in anthropology that is designed to accommodate students simply looking for a liberal arts education as well as students intending to pursue advanced study and research in the field.

Students enjoy a broad education that covers several aspects of anthropology, including cultural anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology.

Anthropology degree students also have opportunities to enrich their education and gain real-world experience by participating in the department’s three student organizations.
Tuition: $6,355

#32 – Washburn University

BA in Anthropology

Topeka, Kansas

Points: 9
Washburn University offers two bachelor’s in anthropology options—a BA in Anthropology and a BS in Anthropology with a concentration in Forensics. Students enrolled in the latter option will study in the state-of-the-art Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center located on campus.

Upon graduation, these students will be prepared for positions as a criminalist, police evidence specialist, or crime scene technician among other related job titles. Anthropology degree students in both tracks will take core classes such as Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, and Methods of Social Research.
Tuition: $6,350

#31 – California State University—Fresno

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Fresno, California

Website
Points: 9
California State University–Fresno’s bachelor’s in anthropology degree program provides students with a structured learning experience that still allows them the flexibility to study the subfield that they are most interested in.

All students are expected to gain a broad understanding of all four subfields through the major’s core curriculum, but they are encouraged to use their electives to pursue a concentration such as Physical Anthropology or Archaeology. Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students may also supplement their concentration with additional electives from other disciplines with their advisor’s approval.
Tuition: $6,311

#30 – California State University—Dominguez Hills

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Carson, California

Points: 9
The bachelor’s in anthropology program at California State University–Dominguez Hills offers its students a broad education in the field, but primarily focuses on archaeology and cultural preservation.

Students can choose between a General Anthropology concentration and an Archaeology concentration, depending on their interests and career goals.

Both of these anthropology degree concentrations emphasize application of theory and methods through fieldwork and data collection, and students in both concentrations are given opportunities to apply their classroom education to real-world scenarios through internships and other field experiences.
Tuition: $6,213

#29 – University of West Georgia

Bachelor of Science in Anthropology

Carrolton, Georgia

Points: 9
The bachelor’s in anthropology program from the University of West Georgia is a diverse offering, allowing students some content customization options through the selection of electives.

Some of these elective course titles include Anthropology of Gender; Myth, Magic and Religion; Animals and Culture; and Environmental Anthropology.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students take advantage of hands-on experiential learning and research opportunities at the two labs on campus: the Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory and the Biological and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory.
Tuition: $6,143

#28 – New Mexico State University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Points: 9
The Department of Anthropology at New Mexico State University prides itself in the resources available to its bachelor’s in anthropology students. The department is home to laboratories, collections of skeletal materials and artifacts, a film library, and computer facilities.

Students also have access to faculty with interests in all subfields of anthropology and can use the school’s Crimson Scholar Program to gain work study employment under these faculty members.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students who complete this program are well-prepared for both graduate studies in anthropology and careers in fields related to anthropology.
Tuition: $6,094

#27 – University of Akron

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Akron, Ohio

Website
Points: 10
The bachelor’s in anthropology degree program at the University of Akron is offered through the school’s Department of Anthropology and Classical Studies. This particular anthropology major focuses on the ancient world and requires that students minor in classical studies.

Only two core courses are required for the major, however, and students are able to choose from an impressive list of electives.

Sample course titles for this bachelor’s degree in anthropology include Mythology of Ancient Greece, Women in Ancient Greece and Rome, History of Ancient Philosophy, and Advanced Latin.
Tuition: $10,509

#26 – Kent State University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Kent, Ohio

Website
Points: 10
Kent State University’s bachelor’s in anthropology program only focuses on three of the four anthropological subfields: archaeology, cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology. While this is perfectly fine for most students, individuals interested in the linguistics aspect of anthropology might prefer a different program.

On the other hand, students interested in biological anthropology and archaeology might favor this program, because it offers separate tracks for these subjects.

Regardless of their specific interests, all anthropology degree students have access to special facilities, including the Archaeology Collections Lab and the Evolutionary Genetics Lab.
Tuition: $10,012

#25 – University of Toledo

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Toledo, Ohio

Website
Points: 10
The University of Toledo offers a bachelor’s in anthropology option through its Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. Core courses comprising the curriculum for this program include Human Society Through Film, Peoples of the World, and Medical Anthropology.

Students may also opt to take courses in Ethnographic Art, Introduction to Folklore, and Linguistic Principles. Independent study is also an option. In addition, an honors anthropology track is available for eligible bachelor’s degree in anthropology students.
Tuition: $9,547

#24 – Bridgewater State University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Website
Points: 10
Bridgewater State University offers a bachelor’s in anthropology with concentrations in Public Archaeology, General Anthropology, and Cultural Anthropology.

All concentrations require students to take on coursework in the other subfields, but the Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology concentrations otherwise keep a tight focus on their specific subfield.

Students in the Public Archaeology concentration take more field and lab courses as well as geology courses. Cultural Anthropology degree students take more special topics courses such as Women in Myth and Lore and African Ethnomedicine.
Tuition: $8,903

#23 – Wright State University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Dayton, Ohio

Website
Points: 10
Wright State University offers a comprehensive bachelor’s in anthropology degree program from its Department of Sociology and Anthropology. In addition to a 38-credit hour general education requirement, the curriculum consists of 36 credit hours of major-specific classes such as Development of Anthropological Thought, Field Methods in Archaeology, Ethnographic Fieldwork, and African Oral Traditions.

The school offers an accelerated graduation planning strategy for bachelor’s degree in anthropology students who wish to complete their coursework in just three years as opposed to four.
Tuition: $8,730

#22 – Minnesota State University—Moorhead

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Moorhead, Minnesota

Website
Points: 10
Minnesota State University–Moorhead’s Department of Anthropology and Earth Science offers a bachelor’s in anthropology program with emphases in Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology.

Students in both emphases take core courses in the other subfields before taking electives and upper level courses in their chosen specialization.

All students also have access to the department’s facilities, such as the Anthropology and Earth Science Library and the Archaeology Lab. Other enrichment opportunities for anthropology degree students include participation in student organization activities and chances to present at the annual MSUM Student Academic Conference.

Tuition: $8,096

#21 – SUNY—College at Cortland

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Cortland, New York

Website
Points: 10
SUNY College at Cortland’s bachelor’s in anthropology offering includes concentration options in applied anthropology and ethnic studies.

In addition to selecting a concentration, students have further opportunities to customize their coursework by choosing from a long list of available electives, including standout courses such as Prejudice and Discrimination, U.S. Ethnic Identity and Conflict, and Anthropology of Gender.

All anthropology degree students are invited to join the Anthropology/Sociology Club, and an anthropology honors program is available for qualified students.
Tuition: $8,050

#20 – SUNY—College at Plattsburgh

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Plattsburgh, New York

Website
Points: 10
SUNY—College at Plattsburgh offers a bachelor’s in anthropology with the option to minor in archaeology. The curriculum is comprised of a general education core as well as courses required for the major such as Comparative Cultures, Archaeological Site Excavation, and Forensic Anthropology.

Students may take up to 36 credit hours in electives, making the program customizable to specific career goals or interests. Further enrichment is available for anthropology degree students interested in internships, independent study, or study abroad experiences.
Tuition: $7,850

#19 – University of South Alabama

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Mobile, Alabama

Website
Points: 10
The University of South Alabama is home to a comprehensive bachelor’s in anthropology program designed for students who wish to work in the fields of cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, or archaeology. The curriculum features standout courses in Economic Anthropology, Human Osteology, and Museum Methods in Archaeology.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students participate in research and excavations through the university’s Center for Archaeological Studies. The Department of Anthropology is also home to an Anthropology Club as well as the Native American Student Association.
Tuition: $7,332

#18 – Utah State University

BA in Anthropology; BS in Anthropology

Logan, Utah

Website
Points: 10
The bachelor’s in anthropology degree program from Utah State University is a cross-disciplinary offering with both BA and BS options. Students also have the option to choose from tracks in general anthropology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, or archaeology.

Regardless of which track they choose, all anthropology degree students will take the five required courses for the major, including History and Theories in Anthropology and Resources in Anthropology. Bachelor’s degree in anthropology hopefuls who choose Utah State will have the option to complete some of their coursework online.
Tuition: $7,260

#17 – Indiana University Northwest

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Gary, Indiana

Website
Points: 10
Indiana University Northwest offers a bachelor’s in anthropology in cooperation with Indiana University South Bend. This arrangement offers students a large amount of flexibility. While students can complete the program without ever visiting the other campus, South Bend offers different elective courses and faculty members with different specialties.

This anthropology degree program is ideal for students who desire a wide variety of courses to choose from and want to study under a faculty member who specializes in a specific subfield.
Tuition: $6,963

#16 – California State University—Northridge

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Northridge, California

Website
Points: 10
California State University–Northridge’s bachelor’s in anthropology program is designed to give students a broad understanding of the field and prepare them for a wide range of careers. The program is also meant to be thorough enough to prepare its students for more advanced study and research in anthropology.

Students learn not only about the traditional subfields of anthropology but also the developing subfields of applied anthropology.

Bachelor’s in anthropology degree students looking for more specialization than this broader program provides may be more interested in the “Optional Major Program,” which gives them far more flexibility than the standard major program.
Tuition: $6,569

#15 – Brigham Young University—Provo

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Provo, Utah

Website
Points: 10
The Department of Anthropology at Brigham Young University–Provo offers two bachelor’s in anthropology programs: a BA in Archaeology and a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology. The Archaeology program focuses on people who are no longer alive and can only be studied through artifacts and other remains, whereas the Sociocultural Anthropology program focuses on people who are living and can be learned about through interviewing and participant observation.

Both programs include opportunities to gain field experience. For archaeology students, this typically includes working on a research project either locally or abroad. Sociocultural Anthropology degree students typically study at a leading ethnographic field school abroad in places such as India and Africa.
Tuition: $5,150

#14 – University of Wyoming

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Laramie, Wyoming

Website
Points: 10
The University of Wyoming offers a comprehensive bachelor’s in anthropology degree program with some degree of flexibility for students who wish to specialize in a certain subfield of anthropology. All students will complete a 22-credit hour introductory sequence including course topics such as History of Anthropological Thought and Ethnographic Methods in Anthropology.

Students will then take one course related to each of the four major subfields of anthropology. These upper-level courses include titles such as Lithic Analysis, Evolution of Hominid Fossils, Medical Anthropology, and Language Change.

Undergraduate research opportunities are available to anthropology degree students through the George C. Frison Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Tuition: $4,892

#13 – Eastern New Mexico University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Portales, New Mexico

Website
Points: 10
ENMU offers a BA and BS in anthropology, and starting this fall students can select a concentration in Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, or Biological Anthropology. Also of interest is a BS in Forensics Science with a focus in Anthropology as well as a minor in Anthropology.

The lab space at ENMU is noteworthy, with a very new building housing a forensics, lithics, and ceramics lab. The department networks relationships with local and federal agencies that provide internship opportunities for students.

Tuition: $4,858

#12 – California University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

California, Pennsylvania

Website
Points: 11
California University of Pennsylvania’s bachelor’s in anthropology program is designed to be broad, but it offers concentrations in archaeology and forensics for students looking for more specialization. It promotes a holistic approach to the field and cultivates a cross-cultural perspective.

The increasingly multicultural nature of business makes this not only beneficial to those archaeology degree students planning to enter careers directly related to anthropology, but also to students who plan to enter other related careers.

This program is ideal for students who want an education that can be applied in a wide variety of settings.
Tuition: $9,936

#11 – SUNY—Buffalo State

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Buffalo, New York

Website
Points: 11
SUNY–Buffalo State offers a balanced bachelor’s in anthropology degree program consisting of a 15-credit required core including courses such as Human Origins and Understanding Culture as well as 12-15 credit hours of elective courses like Historical Archaeology, Anthropology of Disease, and The Human Fossil Record.

The curriculum also consists of experiential classes such as Visual Anthropology and Research Methods in Primatology. Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students can also opt to minor in either indigenous studies or forensic anthropology.
Tuition: $7,669

#10 – Missouri State University—Springfield

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Springfield, Missouri

Website
Points: 11
Missouri State University–Springfield’s bachelor’s in anthropology offers a hands-on approach to anthropology. Students are able to learn about all four anthropology subfields and apply this knowledge to real-world situations both on campus and off campus.

Locally, students can participate in service learning, internships, research, and field schools. There are also opportunities to participate in events hosted by the university’s Anthropology Club.

More adventurous anthropology degree students can also study cultures in person by accompanying faculty on research projects around the world.
Tuition: $7,060

#9 – University of South Florida

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Tampa, Florida

Website
Points: 11
The University of South Florida offers a bachelor’s in anthropology program that emphasizes the application of anthropology to current events and modern social issues. The program allows students to minor in Biomedical Anthropology.

Sample course titles include Anthropological Linguistics, Cultural Anthropology, and Human Sexuality and Culture.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, students will also have opportunities to conduct archaeological field research near the campus, as well as participate in an applied biocultural field school in Costa Rica. Additionally, an honors program in anthropology is available for qualified students.
Tuition: $6,410

#8 – University of West Florida

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Pensacola, Florida

Points: 11
The University of West Florida’s bachelor’s in anthropology degree program features three available specializations: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Cultural Anthropology. In addition to general education requirements, all students will take required core courses such as Principles of Archaeology and Peoples and Cultures of the World.

Electives are chosen according to the selected specialization and include classes like Terrestrial Archaeological Field Methods, Modern Human Physical Variation, and Cultural Ecology.

Anthropology degree students may also be eligible for certain undergraduate certifications in Arabic Language and Culture, Human Resources, and Intelligence Analysis, for instance.
Tuition: $6,360

#7 – University of Houston—Clear Lake

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Houston, Texas

Points: 11
The University of Houston–Clear Lake offers a holistic bachelor’s in anthropology degree program through its Department of Human Sciences and Humanities.

Enrolled students can choose from the following concentrations: International and Global Studies, Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Social Justice, or Women, Gender and Sexuality. Specific course titles include Visual Anthropology, Anthropology of Food, Political & Economic Anthropology, and Social Psychology.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students are also invited to join the school’s chapter of Lambda Alpha, the National Honor Society for Anthropology.
Tuition: $5,802

#6 – Weber State University

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Ogden, Utah

Website
Points: 11
Weber State University offers a customizable bachelor’s in anthropology program with BS and BA tracks as well as an optional concentration in archaeology. Course titles comprising the curriculum include Anthropological Theory, Anthropological Research Methods, Biological Anthropology, and Culture Area Studies.

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students have the opportunity to attend the school’s archaeological field school during the summer and participate in study abroad programs as well. Exceptional students may also be eligible for departmental honors upon graduation.
Tuition: $5,321

#5 – University of South Dakota

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Vermillion, South Dakota

Points: 12
The University of South Dakota offers a bachelor’s in anthropology program featuring both BA and BS tracks. Only six core courses are required for the major, including Socio-Cultural Theory, Practice of Anthropology, and Introduction to Archaeology.

Students then have the option to specialize in one of the four subfields of anthropology or take a more generalized approach through their selection of elective courses. Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students have the opportunity to participate in an annual archaeology field school in Peru.
Tuition: $8,457

#4 – University of Southern Maine

Bachelor’s in Geography–Anthropology

Portland, Maine

Website
Points: 12
The University of Southern Maine offers a unique interdisciplinary bachelor’s in anthropology degree program that integrates the studies of anthropology and geography. The program is a highly customizable option, featuring specializations in Applied GIS and Geospatial Analysis, Cultural and Natural Heritage Management, and Sustainable Cultures and Communities as well as two teacher certification tracks for those wishing to teach K-8 or 7-12 education.

A certificate in Applied GIS is also available for anthropology degree students pursuing this specialization.
Tuition: $7,796

#3 – Fort Lewis College

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Durango, Colorado

Website
Points: 12
Fort Lewis College offers a bachelor’s in anthropology that covers both the four main subfields of anthropology and the emerging subfield of applied anthropology. Students in this program benefit from the college’s location in the Four Corners Region, which provides an ideal setting for internships and other field experiences.

Many students gain valuable hands-on experience at locations such as the Anasazi Heritage Center and Mesa Verde National Park. Bachelor’s degree in anthropology students also benefit from the program’s relationship with other departments, which allows students to take a more interdisciplinary approach to their studies.
Tuition: $7,600

#2 – University of Southern Indiana

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Evansville, Indiana

Website
Points: 12
The University of Southern Indiana’s bachelor’s in anthropology degree program is offered through its World Languages and Culture Department. The program’s curriculum covers all four subfields of anthropology as well as theory and methods in anthropology.

Some specialization is possible through the selection of elective courses, which include titles such as American Life, The Supernatural, and Archaeology: Fact and Fiction. Anthropology degree students may also opt for either BA or BS tracks. Additionally, the department offers an anthropology minor.
Tuition: $7,178

#1 – California State University—Stanislaus

Bachelor’s in Anthropology

Turlock, California

Website
Points: 14
California State University–Stanislaus offers an exceptionally flexible bachelor’s in anthropology. While most anthropology programs are very broad, this program allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the subfield they are most interested in.

Students can choose between concentrations in Ethnology and Physical Anthropology. Students in the Physical Anthropology concentration can further specialize in Medical Anthropology or Forensic Anthropology. Regardless of their chosen concentration, anthropology degree students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience through internships, research, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Tuition: $6,704

CVO Staff

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This concludes our ranking of the 50 top value bachelor’s in anthropology degree programs.