Analysis
Based on comparable psychology programs in Kansas, graduates here might expect around $36,600 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,600 in debt—a manageable 0.75 ratio that suggests each dollar borrowed returns fairly quickly. This tracks closely with the Kansas median for psychology bachelor's programs and actually exceeds the national median of $31,500 by over $5,000. For a school where 41% of students receive Pell grants, that debt load remains relatively contained compared to many private institutions.
The challenge lies in the uncertainty. Because actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly available, we're working from what similar Kansas programs produce. The state's top-performing psychology programs—Fort Hays State and several Ottawa University locations—report earnings in the $39,600-$40,000 range, suggesting there's room for variation. Psychology bachelor's degrees generally require additional credentials for career advancement, meaning these first-year figures represent entry points rather than long-term trajectories.
The practical verdict: if your student is committed to psychology and values Kansas Wesleyan's environment, the estimated debt-to-earnings picture doesn't flash warning signs. But given the data limitations, have candid conversations with current students and recent alumni about actual job placements and graduate school pathways before committing. The numbers suggest reasonable value, but you'll want to verify that promise with people who've lived it.
Where Kansas Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,470 | $36,555* | — | $27,562* | — | |
| $5,633 | $40,009* | $40,608 | $29,000* | 0.72 | |
| — | $39,596* | — | $27,562* | 0.70 | |
| — | $39,596* | — | $27,562* | 0.70 | |
| $35,300 | $39,596* | — | $27,562* | 0.70 | |
| $9,578 | $38,264* | $37,297 | $25,249* | 0.66 | |
| 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 Kansas Wesleyan University, approximately 41% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.