Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb's psychology program delivers outcomes that mirror the state median almost exactly—graduates earn $34,491 in their first year, identical to North Carolina's average for this degree, and carry the same $29,166 in debt. Nationally, it sits right at the 50th percentile, meaning half of similar programs produce higher earnings and half produce lower. The 16% earnings growth to nearly $40,000 by year four follows a predictable trajectory, though it's worth noting this still falls short of the national 75th percentile of $40,062.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 is manageable—students owe less than one year's salary—but the real question is whether a bachelor's in psychology alone will support your child's career goals. Most clinical and counseling roles require graduate degrees, so these numbers likely reflect graduates working in adjacent fields like social services, case management, or administrative positions. If graduate school is the plan, factor in additional debt. If not, understand that $35,000-$40,000 represents a realistic earnings range for this credential.

For families prioritizing staying in-state, Gardner-Webb performs slightly above average among North Carolina's seven programs offering this degree. But "average" outcomes for a psychology bachelor's mean your child will need a clear plan for either advancing their education or translating this degree into specific job skills. The numbers suggest this is a safe choice—neither a standout nor a warning flag—but not one that opens obvious pathways to higher earnings without further credentialing.