Analysis
Aquinas College's psychology program manages to achieve something noteworthy for a modest regional college: graduates here earn more than 60% of psychology programs in Michigan, with first-year earnings of $31,789 beating the state median by about $1,700. That difference—while not dramatic—matters when you're starting a career, and the relatively low debt load of $27,000 (lower than 75% of psychology programs nationally) keeps monthly payments manageable at around $300.
The earnings trajectory shows steady if unspectacular growth to $34,688 by year four, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 sits in reasonable territory for a social science degree. However, these figures come with a significant caveat: the sample size is under 30 graduates, meaning a few outliers could be skewing the numbers in either direction. Still, the pattern aligns with what you'd expect from a solid regional program—graduates earning modestly above state averages without crushing debt burdens.
For a psychology major planning to work in Michigan after graduation, this represents a relatively safe bet compared to state alternatives. You're not paying premium prices for marginal outcomes, and you're avoiding the debt traps that plague many psychology programs. Just recognize that these earnings require either finding the right niche in the field or pursuing graduate education eventually, which most psychology careers demand anyway.
Where Aquinas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Aquinas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquinas College | $31,789 | $34,688 | +9% |
| Rochester University | $33,375 | $47,992 | +44% |
| Michigan State University | $30,164 | $47,242 | +57% |
| Saginaw Valley State University | $30,092 | $46,870 | +56% |
| Wayne State University | $29,255 | $45,540 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Aquinas CollegeGrand Rapids | $38,520 | $31,789 | $34,688 | $27,000 | 0.85 |
 Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor | $32,580 | $35,492 | $36,705 | $26,000 | 0.73 |
 Cornerstone UniversityGrand Rapids | $29,100 | $34,505 | $33,591 | $37,854 | 1.10 |
 Rochester UniversityRochester Hills | $27,938 | $33,375 | $47,992 | $29,687 | 0.89 |
 Baker CollegeOwosso | $12,810 | $32,913 | $34,935 | $41,688 | 1.27 |
 University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn | $14,944 | $31,803 | $40,707 | $27,977 | 0.88 |
| 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 Aquinas College, approximately 23% 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 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.