Psychology at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's psychology graduates start well below the national median at $26,524, landing in just the 13th percentile nationally. Within South Carolina, the picture improves slightly—this program sits near the middle of the pack at the 40th percentile—but even the state's median for psychology ($27,532) trails national benchmarks by about $4,000. The debt load of $26,800 roughly equals first-year earnings, creating an uncomfortable financial squeeze right after graduation.

The program's strength lies in its trajectory rather than its starting point. Earnings jump 44% by year four to $38,244, which represents one of the stronger growth patterns you'll see for psychology bachelor's degrees. This likely reflects graduates moving beyond entry-level roles or pivoting into fields that value the degree without requiring it strictly. Still, you're looking at four years to reach earnings that top psychology programs in the state deliver immediately—Charleston Southern and Wofford graduates start near $35,000.

For families banking on a psychology degree leading to strong immediate employment, this program underperforms. The 80% admission rate and modest academic profile suggest Coastal Carolina serves a different student population than the state's top earners, and outcomes reflect that reality. If your child is determined to study psychology and stay in-state, this works as an affordable option with decent growth potential, but understand they'll be climbing from behind compared to both state and national peers.