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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,976 | $35,410* | — | $26,865* | — | |
| $33,122 | $30,147* | $36,026 | $26,400* | 0.88 | |
| National Median | — | $35,410* | — | $26,944* | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with behavioral sciences graduates
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Life Scientists, All Other
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
Social Science Research Assistants
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
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.