Research and Experimental Psychology at Grinnell College

The $28,507 starting salary from Grinnell's experimental psychology program sits nearly $6,300 below the national median, placing graduates in just the 15th percentile nationally—a surprisingly weak showing for one of Iowa's most selective institutions (13% admission rate, 1486 average SAT). With only four schools offering this major in Iowa, the 60th percentile state ranking means little in context. The modest $17,702 debt load helps somewhat, yielding a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, but that's cold comfort when the earnings themselves lag so far behind peer programs.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) demands caution—this could reflect a cohort dominated by students pursuing graduate school or gap-year opportunities rather than immediate career entry. Psychology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones rather than terminal credentials, so low initial earnings might not capture the full picture if most graduates continue their education. Still, families paying Grinnell's premium tuition should recognize that this particular major produces first-year outcomes well below what the college's overall reputation might suggest, even accounting for the relatively lower debt burden compared to the national psychology median of $21,500.