Psychology at Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State's psychology program places graduates in the 75th percentile nationally for earnings—a solid achievement for a school with nearly open admissions. First-year earnings of $34,647 beat both the national median ($31,482) and Missouri's typical psychology graduate ($32,224), while debt loads of $23,609 come in lower than state and national norms. That 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, meaning graduates owe less than what they'll earn in their first year.

The major red flag here is zero earnings growth between years one and four, suggesting graduates may hit a ceiling quickly without additional credentials. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) makes this pattern less reliable—it could reflect a few individuals' circumstances rather than a systemic issue. Among Missouri's 39 psychology programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, trailing top-tier private schools like Avila and Rockhurst by just $2,000-2,300 annually but doing so at a fraction of their cost.

For families prioritizing affordability and solid initial employment outcomes, this program delivers value. Just understand that psychology bachelor's degrees typically require graduate school for higher-paying career paths. The low debt load here actually positions graduates well for that next step, avoiding the burden that could make advanced degrees financially unfeasible.