Research and Experimental Psychology at Kansas State University

Kansas State's Research and Experimental Psychology bachelor's produces graduates earning slightly above both the national and Kansas medians—about $1,500 more than the typical psych research grad nationally. That 58th percentile national ranking might sound modest, but in a field where many graduates struggle to break $30,000 in their first year, clearing $36,000 represents solid positioning. The debt load of $20,035 comes in actually lower than the national median for this program, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55.

The real question parents should ask: what comes after year one? Psychology research positions often require graduate education for significant advancement, so these initial earnings may represent a stepping stone rather than a destination. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this isn't a massive pipeline program, which could mean more individualized attention but less extensive alumni networking. With only four Kansas schools offering this specific degree, you're looking at a relatively specialized option within the state.

For families planning on graduate school in psychology or related research fields, this provides an affordable undergraduate foundation—the debt won't become crushing if your child needs to borrow more for an advanced degree. If the plan is to work immediately after graduation with just a bachelor's, understand that $36,000 represents close to the ceiling for entry-level research psychology positions, not the floor.