Psychology at Missouri Baptist University

The trajectory here is troubling: Missouri Baptist psychology graduates see their earnings drop by nearly a third over four years, falling from $31,368 to $22,495. That year-four figure amounts to barely above minimum wage full-time work, and it's happening to graduates carrying $26,530 in debt. Among Missouri's 39 psychology programs, this one ranks in just the 40th percentile, performing below the state median of $32,224 and notably trailing competitors like Avila ($36,957) and Rockhurst ($36,152).

The initial debt load isn't alarming—it's actually slightly below national averages—but the earnings decline transforms what looks manageable into something far more challenging. By year four, graduates are earning less than they did as new grads, suggesting they're either underemployed, working part-time, or in roles that don't leverage their degree. A psychology bachelor's often requires graduate education for meaningful career advancement, and these numbers suggest many graduates may be struggling to gain traction in fields where their degree provides competitive advantage.

For families considering this program, the combination of declining earnings and below-state-average initial outcomes suggests better value exists at other Missouri institutions. The $4,000-5,000 earnings premium at schools like Avila or Columbia College compounds significantly over a career, making them worth serious consideration despite potentially similar costs.