Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,959
95th percentile
Median Debt
$17,500
31% below national median

Analysis

Georgetown psychology graduates start at nearly $52,000β€”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 salaryβ€”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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgetown UniversityWashington$65,081$51,959$63,369$17,5000.34
Trinity Washington UniversityWashington$26,110$26,065$42,879$32,8661.26
American UniversityWashington$56,543$25,773$56,267$23,7990.92
The Catholic University of AmericaWashington$55,834$24,106$55,808$26,0001.08
Gallaudet UniversityWashington$18,382$20,185β€”$14,0970.70
Howard UniversityWashington$33,344$18,934$44,692$25,0001.32
National Medianβ€”$31,482β€”$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.