Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree) at Lindsey Wilson College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,769

Est. from national median (84 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$24,375

Est. from national median (56 programs)

Analysis

A debt load near $24,000 against first-year earnings around $35,000 creates a manageable 0.70 ratio—but these figures come from national peer programs, not Lindsey Wilson's actual graduates. What's striking is the gap between this national baseline and Kentucky's reality: Murray State, the only in-state program with reported outcomes, shows psychology bachelor's graduates earning just $23,674. That $11,000 difference matters significantly when you're carrying similar debt levels.

The national median of $34,768 for psychology bachelor's programs suggests reasonable starting salaries exist somewhere, but Kentucky's market appears notably weaker. With half of Lindsey Wilson's students receiving Pell grants, many families here are making this decision with limited financial cushion. If actual outcomes align more with Kentucky's patterns than national ones, graduates could face years of constrained budgets even with this "manageable" debt ratio.

The core question is whether Lindsey Wilson's program connects students to opportunities beyond Kentucky's depressed psychology wages, or whether graduates face the same $24,000 annual earnings that Murray State reports. Without this school's actual data, you're making a significant financial commitment based on national averages that may not reflect regional reality. Consider whether your child has concrete plans for graduate school or career paths that justify this investment despite Kentucky's weak bachelor's-level psychology market.

Where Lindsey Wilson College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Research and Experimental Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Lindsey Wilson CollegeColumbia	$27,274	$34,769*	—	$24,375*	—
Murray State UniversityMurray	$9,708	$23,674*	$41,664	$20,500*	0.87
National Median	—	$34,768*	—	$21,500*	0.62

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with research and experimental psychology graduates

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

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:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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 Lindsey Wilson College, approximately 50% 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 national median of 84 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.