Psychology at George Fox University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
George Fox's psychology graduates start modestly at $32,599 but see their earnings jump 36% to over $44,000 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces most psychology programs nationwide. While the starting salary sits just above Oregon's median for psychology degrees, that strong earnings growth suggests graduates are moving into progressively better roles rather than stalling in entry-level positions.
The $24,000 in typical debt is actually slightly below both state and national averages for psychology degrees, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74. Yes, graduates from Pacific or Oregon State start about $2,000 higher, but George Fox students aren't far behind and appear to be catching up quickly. For a psychology degree—a field notorious for requiring graduate school to unlock higher earnings—these numbers show that some bachelor's holders are finding viable career paths.
The real question is whether your student plans to continue to graduate school, where psychology careers typically pay significantly better. If they're treating this as a terminal degree, the earnings growth is encouraging. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the debt load is reasonable enough that pursuing further education remains financially feasible. This program won't make your child rich, but it won't bury them in debt either.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
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 $33k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all psychology 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
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University | $32,599 | $44,259 | $24,000 | 0.74 |
| Pacific University | $34,930 | $48,027 | $27,000 | 0.77 |
| Oregon State University | $34,736 | $44,498 | $25,340 | 0.73 |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $34,736 | $44,498 | $25,340 | 0.73 |
| Linfield University | $34,628 | — | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| Western Oregon University | $34,038 | $43,164 | $23,448 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Oregon
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific University Forest Grove | $54,466 | $34,930 | $27,000 |
| Oregon State University Corvallis | $13,494 | $34,736 | $25,340 |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend | $12,594 | $34,736 | $25,340 |
| Linfield University McMinnville | $49,530 | $34,628 | $27,000 |
| Western Oregon University Monmouth | $11,025 | $34,038 | $23,448 |
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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 59 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.