Psychology at Bethany College

Bethany College's psychology program starts graduates at just $25,963—$5,900 below West Virginia's already modest median for psychology majors and in the bottom 10% nationally. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift with more data, the pattern is concerning: even after four years, earnings reach only $33,788, still trailing the starting salaries at programs like American Public University System by nearly $6,000.

The $27,000 in debt is roughly average, but against these low earnings, it translates to owing more than a full year's salary right out of college. For context, West Virginia's top psychology programs launch graduates at 30-50% higher starting salaries, suggesting Bethany's outcomes aren't simply explained by the state's overall economy. The 30% earnings growth over four years is positive, but you're growing from such a low base that catching up to peers remains difficult.

If your child is set on psychology at a West Virginia liberal arts college, recognize they'll likely need graduate school to reach competitive earnings—which means taking on additional debt while earning well below peers from the state's larger universities. The program serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (41%), but the financial return doesn't yet justify the investment for most families.