Long-Term Prospects

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Job Satisfaction

General quality of life statement

According to Forbes, archaeology and anthropology are rated number one…on the list of the top ten worst college majors (source).

Ouch.

What the good people at Forbes are referring to is the high unemployment rate and the lack of jobs available in the field. When you think about it, when was the last time you heard of someone making a living as an archaeologist? Exactly. That's because there aren't many CEOs scrounging for archaeology students to work for their company:

"Hey boss, I'm pretty sure there's oil under this."

"That's great, Bob. But first, let me pay a recent archaeology graduate to date this broken clay pot we found. That's way more important to me."

Yeah, in your dusty daydreams.

That's why over a third (43%, to be exact) of archaeology undergrads go on to get an advanced degree. In fact, it's practically a necessity (if you want a job).

But wait, there's more.

The job satisfaction rate is at 48%, which means there's a lot of unrest for those who take on the job. And the median salary is $15,000 less than the median for other college grads. Don't say we didn't warn you, Shmooper. Choose this major at your own risk, and make sure it's something you really, really, really want.

Then, go buy yourself a really cool hat. You're going to need it.

25th Percentile Salary

Median Salary

75th Percentile Salary

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