Psychology at Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State's psychology program delivers something unusual: below-national-average earnings that somehow perform better than most Georgia competitors. With graduates earning $28,262 in their first year—ranking in just the 24th percentile nationally—this initially looks like a weak outcome. But context matters. Among Georgia's 41 psychology programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, outperforming the state median of $28,180. The state's entire psychology market appears depressed compared to national norms, making this a relatively solid local option despite underwhelming national standing.

The debt picture offers genuine relief. At $27,585, graduates carry below-national-average debt (19th percentile) with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0—meaning their debt doesn't exceed first-year income. With 41% of students receiving Pell grants, this access-focused institution keeps borrowing reasonable. Earnings also grow respectably, climbing 25% to $35,244 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing even if starting salaries lag.

The practical takeaway: If your child plans to work in Georgia after graduation and needs an affordable, accessible path to a psychology degree, this program delivers adequate value within the state's constrained market. Just understand they'll likely earn $3,000-8,000 less annually than graduates from programs like Brenau or Life University, and considerably less than the $31,482 national median. For families prioritizing manageable debt over maximum earnings, that tradeoff may make sense.