Analysis
Liberty University's psychology program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance with one major advantage: exceptionally manageable debt levels. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 1.01, graduates leave with roughly one year's salary in loansβfar better than the typical psychology program. The median debt of $32,916 ranks in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of psychology programs saddle students with more debt.
Earnings-wise, this program performs respectably, ranking in the 59th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Virginia programs. The $32,679 starting salary slightly exceeds both national ($31,482) and state ($32,142) medians for psychology degrees. While it trails Virginia's top programs by $3,000-11,000 initially, the 13% earnings growth to $36,871 by year four shows decent progression. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable.
The bottom line: Liberty's psychology program won't position your child among Virginia's highest earners, but it offers a financially sensible path into the field. With nearly open admissions and strong debt management, it's particularly valuable for families prioritizing affordability over prestige. Your child would graduate with typical earning potential but significantly less financial burden than most psychology majorsβa meaningful advantage in a field where many pursue graduate school.
Where Liberty University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Liberty 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | $32,679 | $36,871 | +13% |
| Virginia Military Institute | $44,163 | $60,540 | +37% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $36,121 | $60,347 | +67% |
| Marymount University | $33,277 | $52,616 | +58% |
| University of Richmond | $36,309 | $51,312 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,222 | $32,679 | $36,871 | $32,916 | 1.01 | |
| $20,484 | $44,163 | $60,540 | $19,250 | 0.44 | |
| $25,040 | $36,818 | $51,232 | $19,379 | 0.53 | |
| $13,815 | $36,326 | $48,517 | $21,000 | 0.58 | |
| $62,600 | $36,309 | $51,312 | $25,500 | 0.70 | |
| $20,986 | $36,121 | $60,347 | $19,500 | 0.54 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $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 Liberty University, approximately 39% 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 773 graduates with reported earnings and 1439 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.