Analysis
Agnes Scott's psychology program shows unusually stark year-one struggles followed by strong recovery, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual career paths heavily influence these numbers. That first-year figure of $24,277 ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—about $7,000 below the national median—suggesting many graduates take unpaid internships, pursue graduate school immediately, or work part-time positions. By year four, however, earnings nearly double to $47,388, landing solidly above both state and national medians.
The $27,000 debt load matches Georgia's median exactly and sits slightly above the national average, creating a manageable 1.11 ratio to first-year earnings that improves dramatically as careers progress. Within Georgia, this program performs near the middle of the pack (40th percentile), trailing schools like Brenau and Life University but maintaining reasonable outcomes. The college's 36% Pell grant rate indicates meaningful access for lower-income students.
For parents: The tiny sample makes these numbers volatile, and that first year could involve financial support while your daughter establishes her career or begins graduate school. If she's planning on grad school anyway—common for psychology majors—the trajectory matters more than the starting point. The debt level won't become crushing, but budget for lean early years before earnings catch up.
Where Agnes Scott College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Agnes Scott College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agnes Scott College | $24,277 | $47,388 | +95% |
| Emory University | $32,085 | $52,842 | +65% |
| Oglethorpe University | $25,170 | $49,884 | +98% |
| University of Georgia | $29,874 | $46,847 | +57% |
| Spelman College | $29,343 | $43,305 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,150 | $24,277 | $47,388 | $27,000 | 1.11 | |
| $33,275 | $36,497 | — | $30,761 | 0.84 | |
| $15,036 | $34,260 | — | $31,000 | 0.90 | |
| $60,774 | $32,085 | $52,842 | $20,500 | 0.64 | |
| $31,725 | $31,474 | — | $26,000 | 0.83 | |
| $5,786 | $31,450 | $42,774 | $26,869 | 0.85 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Agnes Scott College, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.