Analysis
Psychology bachelor's degrees in Colorado command a wide earnings spectrum, but limited data makes Adams State's outcomes harder to pin down. National benchmarks for this field suggest first-year earnings around $36,900 and debt near $13,750—figures that translate to a manageable debt burden of roughly a third of first-year income. Psychology graduates often pursue graduate education or entry-level positions in human services, counseling support, or business roles where advancement depends heavily on additional credentials or experience.
The financial picture here looks workable on paper, particularly since Adams State serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students who may benefit from additional grant aid beyond federal loans. However, the absence of program-specific data means you're operating without confirmation of how this particular program's graduates actually fare. Psychology is a field where earnings trajectories vary dramatically based on career path—those heading to graduate school or clinical work face different timelines than those entering corporate HR or market research roles immediately after graduation.
Given the uncertainty, focus on concrete markers: Does your student have a clear plan for what comes after this degree? Graduate school intentions, internship opportunities, and career services support matter more here than average earnings estimates. If the answer to post-graduation plans is vague, consider whether this particular program offers enough structure and outcome transparency to justify the investment.
Where Adams State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Psychology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,776 | $36,890* | — | $13,750* | — | |
| $15,265 | $47,672* | — | $18,200* | 0.38 | |
| $46,140 | $47,348* | $60,881 | $26,000* | 0.55 | |
| $65,997 | $36,890* | $59,494 | $11,630* | 0.32 | |
| $15,247 | $31,345* | $53,727 | $14,745* | 0.47 | |
| $33,860 | $29,234* | $35,005 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $36,890* | — | $16,472* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adams State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.