Psychology Degree | Salary, Jobs & Top Colleges

About Psychology

Psychology is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $50,748 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 114 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,887 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $36,890
Median Earnings · 4yr: $50,748
Colleges Offering: 114
Graduates / Year: 2,887
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,660

How Much Do Psychology Graduates Earn?

Psychology graduates earn $50,748 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $28,947 and $70,116. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $36,890 climbs to $50,748 by year four.

$36,890

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$50,748

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$50,430

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Psychology graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.

$28,947 25th pct.

$50,748 Median

$70,116 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $50,748 and an estimated $82,640 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 4.0 years.

Based on outcomes from 58 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,887 students who complete Psychology programs each year, the majority (72%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Master's 72%

Bachelor's 14%

Post-Bacc Cert. 6%

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Psychology connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Psychology Teachers leads at $80,340/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.6% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Psychology Teachers

$80,340

$63K $106K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 4,000 openings/yr 42K employed nationally

Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Instructing Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, and work motivation.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Psychology

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Psychology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ · Nonprofit	867	78.9%	$22,472	$42,186
2	Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA · Nonprofit	166	88.4%	$22,212	$66,677
3	Russell Sage College Troy, NY · Nonprofit	118	53.3%	$22,917	$58,316
4	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public	111	26.7%	$12,470	$84,943
5	Marist University Poughkeepsie, NY · Nonprofit	59	56.5%	$41,544	$77,819
6	University of Denver Denver, CO · Nonprofit	53	77.8%	$36,131	$71,155
7	University of Puerto Rico at Ponce Ponce, PR · Public	44	52.5%	$10,990	$31,394
8	Tiffin University Tiffin, OH · Nonprofit	41	80.1%	$26,500	$35,942
9	University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Cayey, PR · Public	36	53%	$10,176	$30,958
10	Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA · Public	31	91.2%	$19,550	$63,435
11	East Central University Ada, OK · Public	27	58.2%	$8,683	$44,962
12	Hood College Frederick, MD · Nonprofit	27	77.8%	$20,873	$57,089
13	Montreat College Montreat, NC · Nonprofit	27	69.2%	$27,061	$45,151
14	University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LA · Nonprofit	25	73.7%	$15,635	$49,316
15	Seminole State College Seminole, OK · Public	24	Open	$14,628	$35,390
16	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public	23	33%	$16,109	$74,915
17	Concordia University Texas Austin, TX · Nonprofit	21	91.3%	$23,131	$60,883
18	Los Angeles Harbor College Wilmington, CA · Public	20	Open	$13,250	$41,133
19	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	17	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
20	Naropa University Boulder, CO · Nonprofit	17	100%	$29,179	$28,720

View all colleges

Ranked by Psychology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Psychology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Psychology degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Psychology Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Psychology shows 1 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $36,890 at graduation to $50,748 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $50,748 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($28,947) and 75th ($70,116) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Psychology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Psychology graduates earn?

Psychology graduates earn a national median of $50,748 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $28,947 and $70,116. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Psychology degree?

One year after graduation, Psychology degree holders earn a median of $36,890. That climbs to $50,748 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Psychology degree?

Psychology degree holders pursue careers including Psychology Teachers, which pays a median of $80,340/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Psychology program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Psychology students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer Psychology?

114 colleges and universities in the United States offer Psychology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Psychology degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $50,748 and an average net price of roughly $20,660/yr, a Psychology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What skills do employers look for in Psychology graduates?

Employers hiring Psychology graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.