Best Anthropology Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 8 colleges offering Anthropology programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 72 recent graduates. Graduates earn $25,972 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $26,086.

School choice matters significantly: University of Chicago graduates earn $31,670 while Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates earn $19,045 — a $12,625 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$25,972

IL Avg. Earnings

$26,086

National Avg.

225

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Anthropology in Illinois

Public Schools (5)

$23,492

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$30,105

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,613 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Anthropology Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$31,670

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 4.8%

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 7.1%

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

$28,960

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 90.0%

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$26,739

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 89.0%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$25,938

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 70.5%

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$24,035

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,406

Graduates: 35

Acceptance: 78.5%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$21,703

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,438

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 43.7%

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$19,045

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Anthropology in Illinois?

University of Chicago ranks #1 for Anthropology in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $31,670 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Anthropology programs in the state.

How much do Anthropology graduates earn in Illinois?

Anthropology graduates in Illinois earn an average of $25,972 within two years of graduation. This is near the national average of $26,086 for this major.

What is the hardest Anthropology school to get into in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most selective Anthropology program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Anthropology programs in the state is 59.3%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Anthropology in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Anthropology programs produce average earnings of $30,105 vs $23,492 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773

All colleges in Illinois →

Anthropology in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.