Psychology at Biola University

Biola's psychology program starts students at a concerning $26,764—well below both California's median and the national average for psychology majors. However, the trajectory here tells a different story than the initial number suggests. Earnings jump 72% by year four to $45,978, ultimately surpassing not just state and national medians but approaching the performance of much higher-ranked California programs.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $23,250, students borrow less than the national psychology median and only slightly more than California's typical debt load. The 0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—manageable even during that difficult first year. By year four, when earnings have nearly doubled, that debt becomes quite reasonable relative to income.

This is a program where patience pays off. Parents should be prepared for a lean first year or two after graduation, but the strong earnings growth suggests Biola's Christian psychology emphasis or professional preparation translates into better career outcomes over time. If your student can weather the initial earnings gap—perhaps with family support or by living at home—the four-year outlook competes with California programs that rank far higher in immediate post-graduation earnings.