Psychology at Augsburg University

Augsburg's psychology program starts graduates at notably low earnings—roughly $6,500 below Minnesota's median for psychology majors and even $1,700 below the national benchmark. That 25th percentile ranking among Minnesota programs means three-quarters of similar programs in the state deliver better immediate outcomes. For context, nearby competitors like College of Saint Benedict and Metropolitan State place graduates earning $10,000-$11,000 more right out of the gate.

The program's redemption story lies in its trajectory: earnings jump 47% by year four, reaching $43,615. That's solid growth, though it merely catches graduates up to where some peers start. The debt load of $27,750 is actually reasonable—below both state and national medians—and the 0.93 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. With 52% of students receiving Pell grants, Augsburg serves many first-generation and lower-income students who may value the supportive environment despite slower initial earnings.

The calculation here depends on financial cushion. Families who can support a graduate through those lean first years may see the investment pay off as earnings accelerate. But students needing immediate income to service debt will find that $29,743 starting salary challenging in Minneapolis's cost structure, even with manageable debt levels. The gap between Augsburg and Minnesota's stronger psychology programs is real and persistent.