Psychology at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery's psychology graduates see strong earnings growth—jumping from about $30,500 to over $40,000 within four years. That 32% increase suggests graduates are finding ways to advance beyond entry-level positions relatively quickly. Within Alabama, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it above the state median of $27,494 and ahead of flagship schools like University of Alabama, though still trailing Athens State and Troy.

The debt picture is actually better than it might appear at first glance. At $26,800, it's essentially at both the national and state median for psychology programs, while the 0.88 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than a year's salary—manageable territory. The school's 43% Pell grant population suggests many students come from families who need affordable pathways to careers, and the relatively accessible admission profile (93% acceptance rate) means this isn't a program cherry-picking top performers.

For parents considering this investment, the key question is whether their student plans to pursue graduate education. Psychology bachelor's degrees typically require further schooling for clinical work. If your child intends to stop at the bachelor's level, that four-year earnings trajectory to $40,000+ is encouraging for Alabama's job market. The debt is reasonable, the program performs solidly within the state, and the growth curve suggests graduates aren't stuck in low-wage positions.