Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Grace College and Theological Seminary

The earnings trajectory here tells a puzzling story: comparable programs in Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $40,700, yet graduates from this specific program report earning just $30,700 by their fourth year out. That's a 25% drop when most careers show steady increases, raising questions about whether graduates are finding work that fully utilizes their bachelor's degree or shifting into lower-paying roles.

The $19,500 in debt sits well below both the state median ($38,759) and national benchmark ($27,000) for psychology programs—a genuine bright spot. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 based on that estimated first-year figure, borrowers would theoretically face manageable repayment if they actually earned what similar Indiana programs produce. But if the four-year earnings of $30,700 prove more representative of this program's outcomes, that changes the calculation significantly, making the debt burden feel heavier than the ratio suggests.

The practical concern is what happens between year one and year four. Bachelor's-level psychology positions often serve as stepping stones rather than destinations, and many graduates pursue additional credentials or pivot to adjacent fields. If Grace's graduates are following that pattern—perhaps working in social services, education support, or similar roles while considering graduate school—the four-year figure might reflect that transition period. Parents should probe whether the program prepares students for immediate career entry or positions them primarily as candidates for further training.