Psychology at Bradley University

Bradley's psychology program starts graduates at below-average salaries but demonstrates something crucial: strong earnings momentum. While first-year earnings of $30,159 lag behind both the Illinois median ($32,287) and the national average, by year four graduates reach $48,252—a 60% jump that significantly outpaces typical psychology wage growth. At around the 40th percentile among Illinois psychology programs initially, this trajectory suggests the program's career preparation pays off over time, even if immediate post-graduation outcomes don't stand out.

The debt picture provides meaningful breathing room. At $27,000, graduates carry slightly more than state and national medians, but with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90, that first year remains manageable. More importantly, as earnings climb into the high $40,000s by year four, that debt burden shrinks considerably as a percentage of income. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the pattern is clear enough to be meaningful.

For families, the key question is whether their student can weather that first year or two of below-average earnings. If they can—through family support, lower cost-of-living areas, or graduate school plans—the strong earnings growth suggests this program builds solid foundations. But students expecting immediate financial independence after graduation may find that initial salary challenging, especially compared to top Illinois programs where graduates start in the low $40,000s.