Psychology at Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University's psychology program punches well above its weight class. With a 96% admission rate and a student body where nearly half qualify for Pell grants, this isn't a selective private college—yet its graduates out-earn 95% of psychology programs nationally and compete directly with Minnesota's elite private schools. Those $40,958 first-year earnings rival College of Saint Benedict ($41,029) and exceed University of Minnesota-Duluth, despite Metropolitan State serving a very different student population.

The $30,155 in median debt sits slightly above state and national averages, but the 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for a psychology degree. Within Minnesota, this program ranks at the 60th percentile—solid, though not top-tier—but that's partly because Minnesota's psychology programs generally perform well. Earnings grow a healthy 9% by year four, suggesting graduates find stable career paths rather than hitting immediate ceilings.

For families concerned about value, particularly those who might not qualify for need-based aid at expensive private colleges, this program delivers comparable outcomes at a fraction of the total cost. The combination of high accessibility and strong earnings makes this one of the better psychology investments in the state.