Psychology (Bachelor's Degree) at Linfield University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$34,628

75th percentile

60th percentile in Oregon

Median Debt

$27,000

6% above national median

Analysis

Linfield's psychology program punches above its weight in a competitive Oregon market. At $34,628, first-year earnings beat the state median by $2,200 and rank in the 60th percentile among Oregon's 19 psychology programs—essentially matching outcomes at Oregon State and trailing Pacific University by just $300. More importantly, graduates carry less debt than average: $27,000 versus Oregon's typical $24,523, while still outearning most in-state peers.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 means graduates owe roughly nine months of salary, a manageable burden for a bachelor's in psychology. Nationally, this program sits in the 75th percentile for earnings but only the 25th percentile for debt—an advantageous combination. For context, the typical psychology graduate nationwide earns $31,482, so Linfield's $34,628 represents a 10% premium.

For families considering private liberal arts colleges in Oregon, this program delivers competitive outcomes at a debt level that won't derail early-career finances. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt makes it a solid choice among state options, particularly for students drawn to Linfield's smaller campus environment.

Where Linfield University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Linfield University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (19 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Linfield UniversityMcMinnville	$49,530	$34,628	—	$27,000	0.78
Pacific UniversityForest Grove	$54,466	$34,930	$48,027	$27,000	0.77
Oregon State UniversityCorvallis	$13,494	$34,736	$44,498	$25,340	0.73
Oregon State University-Cascades CampusBend	$12,594	$34,736	$44,498	$25,340	0.73
Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth	$11,025	$34,038	$43,164	$23,448	0.69
Portland State UniversityPortland	$11,238	$33,179	$40,458	$24,499	0.74
National Median	—	$31,482	—	$25,500	0.81

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 Linfield University, approximately 28% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.