Analysis
Based on comparable psychology programs in Kansas, MidAmerica Nazarene graduates can expect starting earnings around $36,555—noticeably higher than the national median of $31,482 for psychology bachelor's degrees. That puts this program roughly in line with the state average, though trailing the strongest Kansas options like Fort Hays State ($40,009) by several thousand dollars. The estimated debt load of $27,562 creates a manageable first-year ratio of 0.75, meaning graduates would owe about nine months of salary.
The gap between MidAmerica Nazarene and top Kansas programs matters more than it might seem. An extra $3,500 annually compounds over a career, and psychology graduates often need master's degrees for clinical work—making that initial earning difference significant when you're carrying undergraduate debt into further education. Similar programs in Kansas suggest this degree provides adequate but not exceptional financial positioning for early-career work in the field.
For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether MidAmerica Nazarene's environment justifies graduating in the middle of the Kansas pack. If your student plans graduate school, minimizing undergraduate debt becomes crucial—and peer programs suggest you'll be starting with around $27,500. The earnings trajectory looks reasonable for psychology, but there's nothing in these comparable figures indicating exceptional outcomes that would offset higher costs elsewhere.
Where MidAmerica Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (25 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,120 | $36,555* | — | $27,562* | — | |
| $5,633 | $40,009* | $40,608 | $29,000* | 0.72 | |
| — | $39,596* | — | $27,562* | 0.70 | |
| — | $39,596* | — | $27,562* | 0.70 | |
| $35,300 | $39,596* | — | $27,562* | 0.70 | |
| $9,578 | $38,264* | $37,297 | $25,249* | 0.66 | |
| 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 MidAmerica Nazarene 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.
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 12 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.