* The Viking Fund Medal for Human Relations (1959): Awarded for her work in bringing anthropology to a wider audience and contributing to understanding human relations.
* The American Anthropological Association's Franz Boas Award (1974): This award recognizes significant lifetime achievement in anthropology, reflecting the impact of her work on the field.
* The National Medal of Science (1979): The highest scientific honor awarded by the United States, recognizing her contributions to understanding human behavior and culture.
* The Presidential Medal of Freedom (1979): This award, presented by President Jimmy Carter, acknowledged Mead's contributions to society and her work in promoting understanding of different cultures.
Additionally, Mead received honorary degrees from numerous universities and was a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences.