Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,613
46th percentile
Median Debt
$30,813
14% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.89
Manageable
Sample Size
29
Limited data

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

George Fox UniversityOther behavioral sciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How George Fox University graduates compare to all programs nationally

George Fox University graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all behavioral sciences bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon

Behavioral Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
George Fox University$34,613$47,713$30,8130.89
National Median$35,410—$26,9440.76

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.