Psychology at Black Hills State University

Black Hills State's psychology program starts graduates above both the national median and South Dakota's state average, but the trajectory raises questions. While first-year earnings of $36,000 beat 84% of psychology programs nationally, graduates see their income drop 12% by year four to $31,808—unusual for a field where early-career earnings typically stabilize or grow modestly. The debt load of $27,187 is relatively manageable (lighter than most psychology programs), but declining earnings mean graduates may struggle more with repayment over time than the initial 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests.

Within South Dakota, this program ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack at the 60th percentile, trailing both Augustana and South Dakota State. However, one significant caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, which means individual employment choices can dramatically skew the results. The earnings decline might reflect a few graduates pursuing graduate school or non-profit work rather than a systemic problem with the program's career preparation.

For families evaluating this program, the key question is whether your student plans to work immediately after graduation or pursue further education. If they're entering the workforce directly, the downward earnings trend—even with the small sample caveat—suggests looking carefully at career support services and alumni outcomes. The debt is reasonable, but make sure there's a clear path to employment that won't follow that declining pattern.