Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,504
13th percentile
40th percentile in Alabama
Median Debt
$25,500
At national median

Analysis

Alabama A&M's psychology program shows an earnings trajectory that initially trails peers but catches up significantly over time. While first-year earnings of $26,504 rank in just the 13th percentile nationally, by year four graduates reach $41,597—a 57% increase that surpasses both the national and Alabama medians. This upward climb is noteworthy, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual career paths heavily influence these figures.

The debt picture is manageable relative to earnings potential. At $25,500, graduates carry median debt for psychology programs nationwide, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. That's the good news. The challenge is the starting salary: $26,504 makes those first few years of repayment tight, even though earnings improve substantially by year four. Within Alabama, this program ranks at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack—with top performers like Athens State producing graduates earning $8,000 more initially.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether their child can weather lower starting salaries with the university's strong support systems (64% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting robust financial aid). The earnings growth is real and substantial, but it requires patience. If your child has other in-state options with stronger initial placement, they're worth comparing closely.

Where Alabama A & M University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Alabama A & M University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Alabama A & M University$26,504$41,597+57%
Auburn University$27,606$42,855+55%
Auburn University at Montgomery$30,538$40,311+32%
Birmingham-Southern College$27,383$39,668+45%
The University of Alabama$29,245$39,261+34%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Alabama A & M UniversityNormal$10,024$26,504$41,597$25,5000.96
Athens State UniversityAthens$34,324$32,271$27,0000.79
Troy UniversityTroy$9,792$31,479$35,956$31,2070.99
Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomery$9,436$30,538$40,311$26,8000.88
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham$8,832$30,132$37,691$27,0000.90
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa$11,900$29,245$39,261$25,0000.85
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

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.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

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.

Social Science Research Assistants

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.

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 Alabama A & M University, approximately 64% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.