Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,411
80th percentile
40th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$23,250
9% below national median

Analysis

Minnesota State University Moorhead's psychology program outperforms most comparable schools nationally, landing in the 80th percentile for earningsβ€”well above the national median of $31,482. However, its position within Minnesota tells a different story: at 40th percentile statewide, graduates earn about $6,000 less annually than peers from top in-state programs like College of Saint Benedict or Metropolitan State. The $23,250 debt load is manageable, with graduates owing about two-thirds of their first-year salary, and it's notably lower than both state and national medians.

The 19% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests reasonable career progression, though psychology bachelor's degrees typically require additional credentials for significant salary advancement. At this price point and with these outcomes, the program represents solid value if your child plans to stay in Minnesota and work in entry-level human services, case management, or similar fields. It's a straightforward path to employability without excessive debt.

For families choosing between Minnesota psychology programs, understand that you're trading some earning potential for lower tuition. If your child is admitted to one of the higher-performing in-state options, the $6,000+ annual earnings difference could justify slightly higher costs. But for students seeking a regional state university experience with predictable outcomes, this program delivers what it promises.

Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Minnesota State University Moorhead$35,411$42,269+19%
Gustavus Adolphus College$33,174$53,981+63%
University of St Thomas$38,396$51,174+33%
The College of Saint Scholastica$31,367$50,740+62%
Concordia University-Saint Paul$36,243$49,552+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead$10,336$35,411$42,269$23,2500.66
College of Saint BenedictSaint Joseph$53,884$41,029$45,302$27,0000.66
Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul$9,780$40,958$44,425$30,1550.74
Capella UniversityMinneapolis$14,436$39,764$43,554$40,8161.03
University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth$14,318$38,543$45,061$24,2250.63
University of St ThomasSaint Paul$52,284$38,396$51,174$27,0000.70
National Medianβ€”$31,482β€”$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 Minnesota State University Moorhead, approximately 27% 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 49 graduates with reported earnings and 69 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.