Psychology graduates earn $50,706 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,740 and $67,229. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Psychology is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $50,706 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 1,652 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 144,496 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$31,658
Median Earnings · 4yr
$50,706
Colleges Offering
1,652
Graduates / Year
144,496
Avg Net Price / yr
$13,834
How Much Do Psychology Graduates Earn?
Psychology graduates earn $50,706 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,740 and $67,229. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $31,658 climbs to $50,706 by year four.
$31,658
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$50,706
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$49,921
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate 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.
$35,74025th pct.
$50,706Median
$67,22975th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $50,706 and an estimated $55,336 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.7 years.
Based on outcomes from 1,398 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 144,496 students who complete Psychology programs each year, the majority (81%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
81%
Bachelor's81%
Associate's12%
Master's5%
What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?
Psychology connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists leads at $100,580/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
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.
Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
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.
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.
The data on Psychology shows 4 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $31,658 at graduation to $50,706 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +11.2% over the next decade, with Clinical and Counseling Psychologists among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 14,000 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 1,652 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $50,706 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop 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.
Highly competitive market144,496 students graduate from this program every year, one of the higher volumes nationally. Entry-level competition can be stiff.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($35,740) and 75th ($67,229) 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 $50,706 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,740 and $67,229. 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 $31,658. That climbs to $50,706 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 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, which pays a median of $100,580/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?
A Psychology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Psychology?
1,652 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 $50,706 and an average net price of roughly $13,834/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.
What is the job outlook for Psychology graduates?
The job outlook for Psychology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists is among the strongest-growth roles at +11.2%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Psychology Programs
Other programs in Psychology. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
The top colleges for Psychology in the biggest states, ranked by the UCD Score.
Best Psychology Colleges in California
The top Psychology colleges in California, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
93 UCD Score
187 Colleges
$536 Lowest Net
$90,768 Top Earn
Best Psychology Colleges in Texas
The top Psychology colleges in Texas, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
91 UCD Score
89 Colleges
$1,300 Lowest Net
$89,718 Top Earn
Best Psychology Colleges in New York
The top Psychology colleges in New York, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
93 UCD Score
92 Colleges
$2,984 Lowest Net
$104,043 Top Earn
Best Psychology Colleges in Florida
The top Psychology colleges in Florida, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
93 UCD Score
41 Colleges
$4,815 Lowest Net
$75,328 Top Earn
Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania
The top Psychology colleges in Pennsylvania, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
84 UCD Score
112 Colleges
$6,233 Lowest Net
$114,862 Top Earn
Best Psychology Colleges in Ohio
The top Psychology colleges in Ohio, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
81 UCD Score
64 Colleges
$3,925 Lowest Net
$87,989 Top Earn
Best Psychology Colleges in Illinois
The top Psychology colleges in Illinois, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
84 UCD Score
46 Colleges
$2,835 Lowest Net
$89,363 Top Earn
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