Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,742
82nd percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$27,000
6% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute$9,992$35,742$37,358$27,0000.76
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional CampusesAngola$9,576$37,096$39,713$27,0000.73
Trine UniversityAngola$35,600$37,096$39,713$27,0000.73
Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne$30,446$36,111$33,6110.93
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional StudiesFort Wayne$9,900$36,111$33,6110.93
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$35,039$36,216$24,1880.69
National Median$31,482$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 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.