Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,497
87th percentile
80th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$30,761
21% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Brenau University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (41 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Brenau UniversityGainesville$33,275$36,497$30,7610.84
Life UniversityMarietta$15,036$34,260$31,0000.90
Emory UniversityAtlanta$60,774$32,085$52,842$20,5000.64
Morehouse CollegeAtlanta$31,725$31,474$26,0000.83
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$31,450$42,774$26,8690.85
Dalton State CollegeDalton$3,283$30,688$36,387$18,0610.59
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.