Psychology at Brenau University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Brenau's psychology graduates are earning $36,497 within a year of graduation—about $8,300 more than the typical Georgia psychology major and $5,000 above the national average. Among Georgia's 41 psychology programs, this places Brenau in the 80th percentile, outearning larger, well-known programs like Emory and Kennesaw State. The debt load of $30,761 is manageable relative to these earnings, translating to a debt-to-income ratio of 0.84, which is below the concerning 1.0 threshold.
However, there's an important caveat: these figures are based on fewer than 30 recent graduates. Small samples can swing dramatically year to year, so while the current numbers look strong, they may not be as stable as data from larger programs. That said, Brenau serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (47%), suggesting the school is helping first-generation and lower-income students access above-average outcomes in a field that doesn't always pay well early on.
For parents considering this program, the current data points to solid value—graduates are beating state and national benchmarks while carrying reasonable debt. Just recognize that with psychology being a field where many students pursue graduate education, these bachelor's-level earnings may represent a starting point rather than a career ceiling. If your student plans to work immediately after graduation, Brenau appears to be setting them up better than most Georgia alternatives.
Where Brenau University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Brenau University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Brenau University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 87th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brenau University | $36,497 | — | $30,761 | 0.84 |
| Life University | $34,260 | — | $31,000 | 0.90 |
| Emory University | $32,085 | $52,842 | $20,500 | 0.64 |
| Morehouse College | $31,474 | — | $26,000 | 0.83 |
| Kennesaw State University | $31,450 | $42,774 | $26,869 | 0.85 |
| Dalton State College | $30,688 | $36,387 | $18,061 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life University Marietta | $15,036 | $34,260 | $31,000 |
| Emory University Atlanta | $60,774 | $32,085 | $20,500 |
| Morehouse College Atlanta | $31,725 | $31,474 | $26,000 |
| Kennesaw State University Kennesaw | $5,786 | $31,450 | $26,869 |
| Dalton State College Dalton | $3,283 | $30,688 | $18,061 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Brenau University, approximately 47% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.