Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,411
80th percentile (40th in MN)
Median Debt
$23,250
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.66
Manageable
Sample Size
49
Adequate data

Analysis

Minnesota State University Moorhead's psychology program outperforms most comparable schools nationally, landing in the 80th percentile for earnings—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

Minnesota State University MoorheadOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates compare to all programs nationally

Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Minnesota State University Moorhead$35,411$42,269$23,2500.66
College of Saint Benedict$41,029$45,302$27,0000.66
Metropolitan State University$40,958$44,425$30,1550.74
Capella University$39,764$43,554$40,8161.03
University of Minnesota-Duluth$38,543$45,061$24,2250.63
University of St Thomas$38,396$51,174$27,0000.70
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph
$53,884$41,029$27,000
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul
$9,780$40,958$30,155
Capella University
Minneapolis
$14,436$39,764$40,816
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth
$14,318$38,543$24,225
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul
$52,284$38,396$27,000

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.