Analysis
Minnesota State University Moorhead's psychology program outperforms most comparable schools nationally, landing in the 80th percentile for earningsβwell 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,336 | $35,411 | $42,269 | $23,250 | 0.66 | |
| $53,884 | $41,029 | $45,302 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $9,780 | $40,958 | $44,425 | $30,155 | 0.74 | |
| $14,436 | $39,764 | $43,554 | $40,816 | 1.03 | |
| $14,318 | $38,543 | $45,061 | $24,225 | 0.63 | |
| $52,284 | $38,396 | $51,174 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $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 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.