Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,959
95th percentile (95th in DC)
Median Debt
$17,500
31% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.34
Manageable
Sample Size
61
Adequate data

Analysis

Georgetown psychology graduates start at nearly $52,000—more than double what typical DC psychology majors earn and 65% above the national median. At the 95th percentile both nationally and within DC, this program dramatically outperforms what you'd expect from a psychology degree, while carrying significantly less debt than average ($17,500 versus $25,000+ at peer institutions).

The Georgetown brand matters here. Where most psychology bachelor's recipients struggle to break $32,000 even after four years, Georgetown graduates reach that milestone immediately and climb to $63,000 by year four. That 22% earnings growth suggests real career progression, not just a temporary boost. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means students could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross salary—a remarkably manageable burden for a liberal arts degree.

This is one of those rare cases where institutional prestige translates into tangible outcomes for a field that typically struggles with monetization. If your child is committed to psychology and has the credentials for Georgetown's 13% admission rate, this program delivers both the academic experience and the career outcomes that justify the investment. The combination of Georgetown's DC location, alumni network, and institutional credibility creates opportunities that simply don't exist for most psychology majors.

Where Georgetown University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Georgetown UniversityOther psychology 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 Georgetown University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Georgetown University graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 95th 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 District of Columbia

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgetown University$51,959$63,369$17,5000.34
Trinity Washington University$26,065$42,879$32,8661.26
American University$25,773$56,267$23,7990.92
The Catholic University of America$24,106$55,808$26,0001.08
Gallaudet University$20,185$14,0970.70
Howard University$18,934$44,692$25,0001.32
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in District of Columbia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across District of Columbia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Trinity Washington University
Washington
$26,110$26,065$32,866
American University
Washington
$56,543$25,773$23,799
The Catholic University of America
Washington
$55,834$24,106$26,000
Gallaudet University
Washington
$18,382$20,185$14,097
Howard University
Washington
$33,344$18,934$25,000

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 Georgetown University, approximately 10% 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 61 graduates with reported earnings and 79 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.