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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,032 | $35,067 | — | $28,000 | 0.80 | |
| $69,330 | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 | |
| $31,440 | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 | |
| $49,100 | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| 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 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.