Analysis
Georgetown psychology graduates start at nearly $52,000βmore 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 salaryβa 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
Earnings Distribution
How Georgetown 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | $51,959 | $63,369 | +22% |
| American University | $25,773 | $56,267 | +118% |
| The Catholic University of America | $24,106 | $55,808 | +132% |
| Howard University | $18,934 | $44,692 | +136% |
| Trinity Washington University | $26,065 | $42,879 | +65% |
Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (8 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,081 | $51,959 | $63,369 | $17,500 | 0.34 | |
| $26,110 | $26,065 | $42,879 | $32,866 | 1.26 | |
| $56,543 | $25,773 | $56,267 | $23,799 | 0.92 | |
| $55,834 | $24,106 | $55,808 | $26,000 | 1.08 | |
| $18,382 | $20,185 | β | $14,097 | 0.70 | |
| $33,344 | $18,934 | $44,692 | $25,000 | 1.32 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.