Psychology at Carroll University

Carroll University's psychology program carries a premium price tag—$27,000 in median debt versus $26,000 statewide—but graduates consistently outpace national benchmarks. Starting at $37,079, these graduates earn nearly $6,000 more than the typical psychology bachelor's holder nationally, placing them in the 90th percentile. Within Wisconsin, however, the picture is more competitive: Carroll ranks around the 60th percentile statewide, with several programs delivering stronger first-year outcomes.

The encouraging part is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, median pay reaches $48,351—a 30% increase that suggests solid career progression. The debt load, while slightly above state norms, remains manageable at 73% of first-year earnings, well below the typical 1:1 ratio that signals financial strain.

For families weighing this choice, understand you're paying slightly more than Wisconsin's median psychology program while landing in the middle of the state's pack for outcomes. If your student is drawn to Carroll's campus environment or specific faculty, this program won't burden them with dangerous debt levels. But if maximizing early earnings is the priority, programs like Marian or Lakeland deliver stronger returns on similar investments. Carroll works as a solid choice for psychology—just not necessarily the value leader in Wisconsin.