Psychology at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU's psychology program hits graduates with a jarring reality: that first year out, they're earning just $23,859—below even Louisiana's modest median for psychology programs, and landing in the 5th percentile nationally. While the $21,500 debt load is relatively manageable, nearly every other psychology program in Louisiana delivers better immediate returns, with even Northwestern State and Southern University graduates earning $8,000-9,000 more right out of the gate.

The dramatic turnaround comes by year four, when earnings more than double to $46,979. This remarkable 97% growth significantly outpaces typical psychology graduate trajectories and eventually surpasses both state and national benchmarks. However, this pattern raises questions about what's happening in those first few years—are graduates taking unpaid internships, working part-time, or struggling to find relevant positions? For a family counting on their graduate to contribute financially or start repaying loans immediately, that initial earning period will be extremely tight.

For parents, the calculation depends entirely on whether your child can weather those difficult first years. If they need financial support through the initial post-graduation period, budget accordingly. The program's strength appears to be in eventual outcomes rather than immediate employability, which makes it a riskier proposition than psychology programs elsewhere in Louisiana that offer steadier early earning power.