Analysis
George Fox University's Behavioral Sciences program shows promising earnings growth, with graduates seeing their median income jump 38% from $34,613 to $47,713 between years one and four. That trajectory matters more than the below-average starting salary, especially since the debt burden at $30,813 is manageable—less than one year's initial earnings. While the program ranks at the national median for entry-level pay, it outperforms most Oregon programs in the field, landing in the 60th percentile statewide.
The real caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates reporting data, a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.9 suggests graduates can reasonably handle their loans, and the steady income growth indicates the degree opens doors to better opportunities over time. George Fox's 96% admission rate means access isn't a barrier, though the modest SAT average suggests the academic environment may not be highly competitive.
For parents, this program represents a reasonable bet if your student is genuinely interested in behavioral sciences and committed to leveraging the degree into higher-paying roles within a few years. The limited data makes it hard to guarantee outcomes, but the financial fundamentals—moderate debt paired with solid earnings growth—point toward manageable risk rather than a financial burden.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all behavioral sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How George Fox University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University | $34,613 | $47,713 | +38% |
| Concordia University-Irvine | $31,899 | $49,240 | +54% |
| Wilmington University | $38,937 | $43,432 | +12% |
| University of Kansas | $36,206 | $42,992 | +19% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $33,439 | $39,560 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Behavioral Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,940 | $34,613 | $47,713 | $30,813 | 0.89 | |
| $12,330 | $38,937 | $43,432 | $27,667 | 0.71 | |
| $68,380 | $38,391 | — | $19,000 | 0.49 | |
| $9,552 | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 | |
| — | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 | |
| — | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 | |
| 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 George Fox University, approximately 27% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.