Psychology at Central College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Central College's psychology graduates start at $29,923—below both the national median and about $4,200 less than the typical Iowa psychology graduate. Among Iowa's 27 programs, this ranks just below the middle at the 40th percentile, with several peer institutions like Coe College and Buena Vista showing significantly stronger outcomes. The relatively low debt load of $27,000 keeps this manageable (matching the state median), but first-year earnings barely exceed the debt incurred.
The 34% earnings growth to nearly $40,000 by year four offers some reassurance, though this trajectory still lags what graduates from nearby programs achieve right out of the gate. The small sample size here matters—fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, so these figures might not fully represent typical outcomes. For a family considering a psychology degree in Iowa, this program doesn't appear to offer advantages over alternatives within the state.
If your child is set on Central College specifically, understand they'll likely face tighter finances early on compared to peers at other Iowa schools. The debt burden is reasonable, but the earnings gap suggests exploring whether nearby programs might deliver better return on investment, particularly if graduate school isn't in the immediate plans.
Where Central College 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 Central College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Central College graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central College | $29,923 | $39,986 | $27,000 | 0.90 |
| Upper Iowa University | $42,183 | $40,524 | $41,478 | 0.98 |
| Waldorf University | $41,193 | $45,304 | $29,136 | 0.71 |
| Coe College | $37,072 | $37,384 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| Buena Vista University | $35,559 | $34,524 | $32,500 | 0.91 |
| William Penn University | $35,122 | — | $27,443 | 0.78 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $42,183 | $41,478 |
| Waldorf University Forest City | $25,220 | $41,193 | $29,136 |
| Coe College Cedar Rapids | $52,576 | $37,072 | $27,000 |
| Buena Vista University Storm Lake | $40,190 | $35,559 | $32,500 |
| William Penn University Oskaloosa | $28,750 | $35,122 | $27,443 |
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 Central College, approximately 21% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.