Psychology at Clarke University

Clarke University's psychology program starts graduates at $26,714—well below both the Iowa median ($34,155) and national averages. That 25th percentile ranking among Iowa psychology programs means three-quarters of comparable in-state options produce higher initial earnings, with top performers like Upper Iowa and Waldorf placing graduates at $40,000+. For a degree carrying $26,500 in debt (nearly a full year's starting salary), these first-year numbers create immediate financial stress.

The trajectory improves meaningfully: earnings jump 64% to reach $43,694 by year four, which actually surpasses many Iowa competitors at that stage. This growth pattern suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through—perhaps graduate school preparation or roles requiring experience. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outlier careers could be skewing these numbers upward, making them less reliable as predictors.

The core challenge remains that initial earning power. Psychology bachelor's degrees generally require graduate education for higher-paying careers, and starting $7,000 below the Iowa median makes it harder to manage debt while saving for that next degree. Unless your child has specific plans that leverage Clarke's small-school advantages (like mentorship or research opportunities), the in-state alternatives offering 30-40% higher starting salaries deserve serious consideration—they provide more financial breathing room for whatever comes next.