Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,410
Est. from national median (18 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,865
Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

A behavioral sciences bachelor's from Fontbonne appears positioned close to national norms, with peer programs typically producing first-year earnings around $35,400 and debt loads near $27,000. That 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory—graduates would owe roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary, a burden that's significant but not crushing. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are financing this degree through a mix of aid and loans, making that debt figure particularly relevant.

The catch is context: Missouri's other behavioral sciences program reports substantially lower earnings at $30,147, suggesting the local job market for these degrees may be tighter than national figures imply. If your child plans to stay in the St. Louis area after graduation, that $5,000 gap matters. Behavioral sciences degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or diverse career paths in social services, research, or human resources—fields where entry-level pay varies widely by employer and location.

For families financing this through loans, run the numbers assuming monthly payments around $300 over ten years. That's workable on a $35,000 salary but leaves little cushion. If graduate school is the plan, defer that debt conversation and focus on minimizing undergraduate borrowing. If this is the terminal degree, verify what actual job placements look like from Fontbonne's career services before committing.

Where Fontbonne University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all behavioral sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Behavioral Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Fontbonne UniversitySaint Louis$28,976$35,410*—$26,865*—
Missouri Baptist UniversitySaint Louis$33,122$30,147*$36,026$26,400*0.88
National Median—$35,410*—$26,944*0.76
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with behavioral sciences graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Life Scientists, All Other

All life scientists not listed separately.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

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 Fontbonne University, approximately 48% 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 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.