Analysis
Miami University-Middletown's psychology program achieves something rare: it substantially outperforms national averages while keeping debt manageable. Starting at $36,190—nearly $5,000 above the national median—graduates reach $46,978 by year four, a 30% earnings jump that suggests this program successfully prepares students for career advancement beyond entry-level roles. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Ohio psychology programs, that's actually competitive context given the state has 74 options, including several selective private colleges.
The debt picture tells an encouraging story. At $24,094, graduates owe less than both national and state medians, resulting in a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that's entirely serviceable for a psychology degree. For context, psychology majors nationally often struggle with low starting salaries, but this program's first-year earnings exceed what 85% of similar programs produce nationwide.
For families concerned about return on investment in a psychology bachelor's—a field notorious for requiring graduate school to reach higher earning potential—this program delivers an above-average starting position at below-average cost. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates find pathways into roles that value their training, whether in human services, business, or related fields. This combination makes it a solid choice for Ohio students interested in psychology who want to minimize debt while maximizing early career options.
Where Miami University-Middletown Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Middletown graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Middletown | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| University of Dayton | $32,953 | $50,757 | +54% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Ohio State University-Lima Campus | $32,276 | $44,475 | +38% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| $69,330 | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 | |
| $31,440 | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 | |
| $49,100 | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| $17,809 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Miami University-Middletown, approximately 23% 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 180 graduates with reported earnings and 264 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.