Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,067
78th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$28,000
10% above national median

Analysis

Lake Erie College's psychology graduates earn $35,067 in their first year—outperforming three-quarters of psychology programs nationally and clearing Ohio's median by more than $4,000. With $28,000 in debt (well below both state and national averages), this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80. That means graduates can realistically expect to pay off their loans within five years if they prioritize repayment, assuming steady career progression.

The catch? These figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so they're worth confirming through the school's career services or alumni network before banking on them. Small samples can swing dramatically year to year. Still, the fundamentals look solid—graduates are entering the workforce with less debt than typical Ohio psychology majors while earning more right out of the gate.

For parents weighing in-state options, Lake Erie sits comfortably in the middle tier. You're paying less than you would at Kenyon (which tops out around $39,000) while your child would likely earn more than at most Ohio public universities. If your student has a clear path to grad school or a specific psych-adjacent career like HR or social services, this program delivers decent starting position without crushing debt. Just verify those outcomes hold steady across multiple graduating classes.

Where Lake Erie College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Lake Erie College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lake Erie CollegePainesville$36,032$35,067$28,0000.80
Kenyon CollegeGambier$69,330$39,203$42,073$19,0000.48
Muskingum UniversityNew Concord$31,440$37,636$34,807$27,6250.73
John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights$49,100$36,602$43,225$27,0000.74
Miami University-HamiltonHamilton$7,278$36,190$46,978$24,0940.67
Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown$7,278$36,190$46,978$24,0940.67
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 Lake Erie College, approximately 29% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.