Psychology at Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State's psychology graduates start behind their Missouri peers, earning roughly $3,000 less than the state median in year one and landing below the 40th percentile statewide. At $29,487, that first-year salary translates to about $14 per hour—tight for managing the $25,739 in typical debt, though the 0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can keep up with payments if they budget carefully.

The program's saving grace is meaningful earnings momentum. The 32% jump from year one to year four brings graduates closer to competitive territory at nearly $39,000, suggesting psychology majors who stick with the field—or pivot strategically—can recover from the sluggish start. But even with that growth, Missouri State still trails schools like Avila and Rockhurst, where psychology grads earn $7,000 more right out of the gate.

For families seeking an affordable state school option, Missouri State checks that box with accessible admissions and reasonable debt loads. Just understand you're trading immediate earning power for a longer runway to career stability. If your student plans graduate school anyway (common for psychology majors), the lower debt burden matters more than that first-year paycheck. But if they need to be financially independent quickly, programs at Avila or Rockhurst justify their slightly higher costs with stronger early returns.