Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.95 suggests near-parity between what you borrow and what you earn in your first year—a manageable starting point for a bachelor's degree. Based on three comparable psychology programs in Indiana, graduates typically earn around $40,700 in their first year while carrying roughly $38,800 in debt. That sits comfortably above the national median of $34,500 for this field, though it's worth noting that Indiana programs generally carry higher debt loads than the $27,000 national median.
The challenge here is that bachelor's-level psychology positions often require additional credentials for meaningful career advancement. Many graduates pursue master's or doctoral programs to become licensed counselors or clinical psychologists, which means this debt becomes the foundation of a larger financial commitment. Manchester's 44% Pell grant population suggests the school serves students who may be particularly sensitive to borrowing decisions.
For families considering this path: if your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, peer programs suggest the immediate financial picture is workable but not particularly lucrative. If graduate school is the goal—as it is for many psychology majors—factor this debt into a multi-year education plan rather than viewing it as a standalone investment.
Where Manchester University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical, counseling and applied psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,090 | $40,706* | — | $38,759* | — | |
| $31,168 | $40,706* | — | $38,759* | 0.95 | |
| $8,216 | $40,706* | — | $38,759* | 0.95 | |
| $10,110 | $35,086* | — | $42,443* | 1.21 | |
| National Median | — | $34,506* | — | $27,000* | 0.78 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with clinical, counseling and applied psychology graduates
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Management Analysts
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
School Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Human Resources Specialists
Training and Development Specialists
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 Manchester University, approximately 44% 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 median of 3 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.