Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,890
Est. from national median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,750
Est. from national median (5 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Adams State UniversityAlamosa$9,776$36,890*$13,750*
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$47,672*$18,200*0.38
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie$46,140$47,348*$60,881$26,000*0.55
Northwestern UniversityEvanston$65,997$36,890*$59,494$11,630*0.32
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$31,345*$53,727$14,745*0.47
Montreat CollegeMontreat$33,860$29,234*$35,005*
National Median$36,890*$16,472*0.45
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

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.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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.