Analysis
A psychology bachelor's degree from Faulkner University comes with an estimated $26,000 in debt—substantially higher than the $16,472 national median for psychology programs. Since this school's actual outcomes aren't published due to small graduate cohorts, these figures are drawn from similar private institutions and national psychology program benchmarks. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 isn't catastrophic, but it means your child would start with debt equivalent to 70% of their projected first-year salary of around $36,890.
Psychology bachelor's degrees nationally face a well-documented challenge: they rarely lead directly to high-paying careers without graduate school. The typical psychology graduate earns the same $36,890 first year whether they attend Faulkner or one of the 65 other programs reporting data. What differs is the debt burden. At nearly $10,000 above the national median, Faulkner's estimated debt load means tighter budgets during those crucial early career years when many psychology graduates are either working entry-level positions or saving for graduate school—which most will need for clinical, counseling, or research roles.
If your child is certain about pursuing graduate education in psychology, factor in that additional debt on top of this undergraduate load. If they're uncertain about their path, understand that a $26,000 starting point limits flexibility compared to programs where graduates carry less debt for similar earning potential.
Where Faulkner University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Psychology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,920 | $36,890* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $15,265 | $47,672* | — | $18,200* | 0.38 | |
| $46,140 | $47,348* | $60,881 | $26,000* | 0.55 | |
| $65,997 | $36,890* | $59,494 | $11,630* | 0.32 | |
| $15,247 | $31,345* | $53,727 | $14,745* | 0.47 | |
| $33,860 | $29,234* | $35,005 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $36,890* | — | $16,472* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
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 Faulkner University, approximately 44% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.