Psychology at National University

National University's psychology program achieves something rare: significantly above-average earnings paired with reasonable debt. First-year graduates earn $38,523—outperforming 95% of psychology programs nationally and 80% within California, where it ranks just behind top private universities like Santa Clara. That $7,000 premium over the typical California psychology graduate matters when you're trying to service student loans.

The debt load of $31,250 sits above both state and national medians, but the 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio keeps monthly payments manageable. More encouraging is the trajectory: earnings jump 41% to $54,307 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully transition beyond entry-level roles. This growth pattern is particularly important in psychology, where many bachelor's degree holders need time to find their professional footing or pursue additional credentials while working.

For parents weighing options, this represents a stronger-than-typical psychology investment. Your child would be entering a notoriously challenging field with better-than-average earning prospects and debt they can realistically handle. The premium over typical California programs ($8,000 more in first-year earnings) covers the extra debt burden within the first year. Just recognize that psychology bachelor's degrees rarely lead to high-paying careers immediately—this program performs well within those constraints rather than transcending them.