Best Online Bachelor’s in Anthropology 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN ANTHROPOLOGY
By Dr. James Barham and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in anthropology degree programs in the US to prepare students to work as an anthropologist, museum curator, or to obtain a position in government.

Key Takeaways

  • The best online bachelor’s programs in anthropology offer courses that span cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological anthropology, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of human societies, past and present.
  • Top programs in anthropology often incorporate virtual fieldwork simulations or allow students to complete research projects within their local communities, ensuring hands-on learning experiences that connect theory with real-world applications.
  • The programs in our ranking cater to online learners by offering asynchronous classes, interactive digital resources, and access to online databases, making it easy for students to balance their studies with other commitments while actively engaging with course material.

Top Online Bachelor's in Anthropology Degree Programs in 2025

  1. University of Florida
  2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    +2
  3. University of Central Florida
    +3
  4. University of Memphis
    +6
  5. University of Montana
    –2
  6. Southeast Missouri State University
    +1
  7. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
    +2
  8. Troy University
    +5
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
    –1
  10. Idaho State University
    –8

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best online bachelor’s of anthropology degrees saw a considerable amount of movement. The University of Memphis gained the most ground as the university introduced a more flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests within cultural and biological anthropology and archaeology.

The program now offers increased opportunities for enriched learning, such as internships, service learning, and study abroad, enabling online students to gain practical experience and global perspectives. Additionally, the university has expanded its online resources, providing access to virtual labs and interactive modules that facilitate hands-on learning in a digital environment.

Featured Programs

Ranking: Best Online Bachelor’s in Anthropology

  1. #1

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $35,175
    Salary after 4 years: $48,027
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Las Vegas , NV
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/21

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Cost of Degree: $9,142
    Expenses: $17,362
    Starting Salary: $26,555
    Salary after 4 years: $36,258
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $18,300
    Starting Salary: $27,412
    Salary after 4 years: $37,427
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $23,129
    Salary after 4 years: $31,579
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Montana

    Missoula , MT
    #1 Best Research Universities in Montana 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Montana 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at University of Montana

    Cost of Degree: $8,152
    Expenses: $17,076
    Starting Salary: $23,182
    Salary after 4 years: $31,652
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Southeast Missouri State University

    Cape Girardeau , MO
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/20

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at Southeast Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,495
    Expenses: $17,786
    Starting Salary: $22,165
    Salary after 4 years: $30,263
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Science

    Concentrations

    • Anthropology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Economics
    • History (any prefix)
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • or Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $15,208
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $27,573
    Salary after 4 years: $37,646
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Sociology And Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $9,792
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $22,004
    Salary after 4 years: $30,044
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $16,450
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $23,706
    Salary after 4 years: $33,699
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello , ID
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at Idaho State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,356
    Expenses: $14,854
    Starting Salary: $23,504
    Salary after 4 years: $32,091
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Western Illinois University

    Macomb , IL
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at Western Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $14,085
    Expenses: $13,896
    Starting Salary: $25,431
    Salary after 4 years: $34,722
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 Years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Alaska Southeast

    Juneau , AK
    #3 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025 #2 Best Online Colleges in Alaska 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at University of Alaska Southeast

    Cost of Degree: $8,820
    Expenses: $20,168
    Starting Salary: $21,148
    Salary after 4 years: $28,874
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Science

    Concentrations

    • Anthropology
    • History
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Lewis–Clark State College

    Lewiston , ID
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Anthropology degree at Lewis–Clark State College

    Cost of Degree: $7,388
    Expenses: $17,330
    Starting Salary: $20,452
    Salary after 4 years: $27,924
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Science

    Concentrations

    • Anthropology
    • History
    • Sociology
    • Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Anthropology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Anthropology

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,345
  • Avg. Expenses*: $18,428
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $27,620
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $37,711
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 14 years
  • Job Growth: 5.74%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,297,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists11.46%$100,890
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary3.17%$93,650
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary4.08%$86,030
Forensic Science Technicians13.98%$64,940

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other$133,560
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$100,890
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$93,650
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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