Psychology at Buena Vista University

Buena Vista's psychology program charges above-state-average debt ($32,500 vs. $27,000 Iowa median) while delivering earnings that sit squarely in the middle of Iowa's pack—above the state median but well behind top performers like Upper Iowa ($42,183) and Waldorf ($41,193). The program does outperform 81% of psychology programs nationally, which sounds impressive until you realize the national median for psychology majors is just $31,482. That 60th percentile ranking within Iowa tells the more relevant story for an in-state student.

The bigger concern is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out ($34,524) than in their first year ($35,559). While the debt load isn't crushing—the 0.91 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's salary—it's higher than what comparable Iowa programs charge. The 43% Pell grant population suggests many families here are price-sensitive, making that $5,500 debt premium over the state median worth scrutinizing.

If your child is considering graduate school in psychology, these earnings may be less relevant since they'd be a stepping stone. But if they're planning to work with a bachelor's degree, you're paying a bit more for outcomes that land in the middle of Iowa's options, with graduates earning about what they started with four years later.