Psychology at Bethel University

Bethel's psychology program graduates earn considerably less than the typical Minnesota psychology graduate—$31,060 versus a state median of $36,243. That gap of over $5,000 places this program in the 40th percentile statewide, meaning six out of ten Minnesota psychology programs deliver better starting salaries. For comparison, nearby competitors like College of Saint Benedict and Metro State produce graduates earning $40,000+, roughly $9,000 more annually.

The debt burden is manageable at $21,500, coming in below both state and national medians, which helps offset the lower earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69, graduates should be able to handle their loan payments, though it won't be easy in the first year. Earnings do improve over time—rising 21% to $37,504 by year four—but that still trails the state median substantially.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than programs with larger sample sizes. That small cohort could mean these figures don't represent typical outcomes. Given the below-average earnings compared to other Minnesota options and the data uncertainty, parents should investigate whether Bethel offers specific advantages (advising, internships, graduate school placement) that might justify choosing it over higher-earning state alternatives. The debt level won't sink your child financially, but the earnings gap is real.