Analysis
Kennesaw State's psychology program stands out for delivering earnings that outpace both state and national peers while keeping debt manageable. At $31,450 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 12% more than the Georgia median for psychology programs and match the national average, placing this program in the 60th percentile statewide—a solid position among 41 competing programs.
The debt picture is particularly encouraging. With median debt of $26,869 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85, graduates enter the workforce with relatively light financial burdens compared to psychology majors elsewhere. More importantly, earnings growth is robust at 36% over four years, reaching $42,774 by year four. This trajectory suggests the degree provides a strong foundation for career advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck in entry-level positions.
For parents concerned about psychology's reputation as a low-earning major, Kennesaw State offers a more promising path than most alternatives in Georgia. While this won't lead to immediate high salaries, the combination of reasonable debt, steady earnings growth, and above-average starting pay within the state makes this a defensible choice for students committed to psychology-related careers.
Where Kennesaw State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Kennesaw 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | $31,450 | $42,774 | +36% |
| Emory University | $32,085 | $52,842 | +65% |
| Oglethorpe University | $25,170 | $49,884 | +98% |
| Agnes Scott College | $24,277 | $47,388 | +95% |
| University of Georgia | $29,874 | $46,847 | +57% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $31,450 | $42,774 | $26,869 | 0.85 |
 Brenau UniversityGainesville | $33,275 | $36,497 | — | $30,761 | 0.84 |
 Life UniversityMarietta | $15,036 | $34,260 | — | $31,000 | 0.90 |
 Emory UniversityAtlanta | $60,774 | $32,085 | $52,842 | $20,500 | 0.64 |
 Morehouse CollegeAtlanta | $31,725 | $31,474 | — | $26,000 | 0.83 |
 Dalton State CollegeDalton | $3,283 | $30,688 | $36,387 | $18,061 | 0.59 |
| 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 Kennesaw State University, approximately 35% 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 402 graduates with reported earnings and 480 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.