Psychology at Indiana State University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Indiana State University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 82th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State University | $35,742 | $37,358 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
| Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| Trine University | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $35,039 | $36,216 | $24,188 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses Angola | $9,576 | $37,096 | $27,000 |
| Trine University Angola | $35,600 | $37,096 | $27,000 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology Fort Wayne | $30,446 | $36,111 | $33,611 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies Fort Wayne | $9,900 | $36,111 | $33,611 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion | $31,168 | $35,039 | $24,188 |
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.