Analysis
Capital University's psychology program manages to outperform most of its Ohio peers while keeping debt reasonable—a combination that's harder to find than you might think. At $34,041 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than 60% of other psychology majors in Ohio and 70% of programs nationwide. That's solid positioning for a degree that often struggles with low starting salaries.
The debt picture strengthens the case. At $27,000, borrowing sits well below the national median for psychology programs, giving graduates a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means the typical graduate owes less than their first year's salary—a threshold that makes repayment genuinely feasible on an entry-level income. Earnings also grow to $37,620 by year four, which brings Capital graduates closer to top-performing Ohio programs like Kenyon College while avoiding the premium tuition those institutions charge.
The real question is whether psychology aligns with your child's career plans beyond the bachelor's degree. Many psychology majors eventually pursue graduate education for clinical or counseling work, making that $27,000 undergraduate debt load especially important to keep low. For students planning to enter the workforce directly or pursue master's programs later, Capital delivers above-average outcomes at below-average cost—a smart financial foundation for either path.
Where Capital University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Capital University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital University | $34,041 | $37,620 | +11% |
| University of Dayton | $32,953 | $50,757 | +54% |
| Miami University-Middletown | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,788 | $34,041 | $37,620 | $27,000 | 0.79 | |
| $69,330 | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 | |
| $31,440 | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 | |
| $49,100 | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Capital University, approximately 31% 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 57 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.