Analysis
Indiana State delivers stronger-than-expected outcomes for psychology majors, with first-year earnings of $35,742 placing graduates in the 82nd percentile nationally—well above what most psychology programs achieve. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile among Indiana schools, that's still solid performance in a state where several niche institutions inflate the top rankings. More importantly, graduates here are earning more than psychology majors at schools like Indiana Wesleyan while carrying similar debt loads.
The $27,000 debt burden sits below the national median and represents a manageable 0.76 ratio to first-year earnings—better than many bachelor's programs. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a significant population of lower-income students who are achieving demonstrably above-average outcomes. The modest earnings growth to $37,358 by year four is typical for psychology majors, most of whom need graduate credentials to see substantial salary jumps.
For families concerned about the ROI of a psychology degree, this program offers reassurance. Your child would graduate earning more than three-quarters of psychology majors nationwide, with below-average debt, from an accessible institution with a 92% admission rate. That's a combination worth serious consideration, particularly if graduate school is part of the long-term plan.
Where Indiana State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State University | $35,742 | $37,358 | +5% |
| University of Indianapolis | $32,237 | $56,992 | +77% |
| Taylor University | $30,311 | $53,764 | +77% |
| Saint Mary's College | $32,213 | $47,897 | +49% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $33,810 | $47,627 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (44 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,992 | $35,742 | $37,358 | $27,000 | 0.76 | |
| $9,576 | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 | |
| $35,600 | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 | |
| $30,446 | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 | |
| $9,900 | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 | |
| $31,168 | $35,039 | $36,216 | $24,188 | 0.69 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $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 Indiana State University, approximately 39% 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 118 graduates with reported earnings and 165 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.