Psychology at Emory & Henry University

Emory & Henry's psychology program starts graduates at $25,390—roughly $6,000 below Virginia's median and in the bottom 5% nationally. While this is a small program with limited data (under 30 graduates tracked), the earnings gap is substantial enough to warrant careful consideration, especially given the $27,000 in typical debt.

The 29% earnings growth to $32,730 by year four does close the gap somewhat, but even then graduates remain well below what peers earn at larger Virginia public universities like George Mason ($36,326) or even the state median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.06 means your child would start with debt exceeding their first-year salary—a tough position for anyone, but particularly challenging for psychology graduates who may pursue graduate school or lower-paying entry roles in human services. Only a quarter of Virginia psychology programs produce lower earnings, despite this being one of the most affordable private options in the state.

For families considering this path: if your child is set on psychology and specifically drawn to Emory & Henry's small-school environment (96% admission rate suggests accessibility), understand they'll likely need family support in those early years or a clear plan for additional credentials. The numbers suggest this program struggles to launch graduates into competitive positions compared to what's available elsewhere in Virginia.