Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's psychology program outperforms most Tennessee schools in a field known for modest starting salaries. At $32,433 one year out, graduates earn about $3,300 more than the typical Tennessee psychology major and sit comfortably in the 60th percentile statewide. That's meaningful when you're comparing in-state tuition options. The $22,000 median debt is also several thousand below both state and national averages, creating a more manageable financial picture than most psychology programs. With 100+ graduates in the dataset, these aren't fluky numbers.

The earnings trajectory is steady rather than spectacular—a 9% increase to $35,287 by year four keeps pace with inflation but doesn't suggest rapid career advancement. This reflects psychology's reality as a bachelor's degree: many lucrative roles require graduate training. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 means graduates should be able to manage payments while building toward next steps, whether that's graduate school, social services work, or business roles that value behavioral science backgrounds.

For Tennessee families weighing psychology programs, MTSU delivers above-average outcomes at below-average cost. You're not getting Vanderbilt earnings (which top out around $36,700), but you're also not taking on Vanderbilt debt. If your child is set on psychology and plans to work immediately after graduation, this represents a practical choice that won't create financial strain while they figure out their longer-term path.