Median Earnings (1yr)
$24,277
5th percentile (40th in GA)
Median Debt
$27,000
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.11
Elevated
Sample Size
16
Limited data

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

Agnes Scott CollegeOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Agnes Scott College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Agnes Scott College graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (41 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Agnes Scott College$24,277$47,388$27,0001.11
Brenau University$36,497—$30,7610.84
Life University$34,260—$31,0000.90
Emory University$32,085$52,842$20,5000.64
Morehouse College$31,474—$26,0000.83
Kennesaw State University$31,450$42,774$26,8690.85
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Brenau University
Gainesville
$33,275$36,497$30,761
Life University
Marietta
$15,036$34,260$31,000
Emory University
Atlanta
$60,774$32,085$20,500
Morehouse College
Atlanta
$31,725$31,474$26,000
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw
$5,786$31,450$26,869

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.