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 South Dakota

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northern State University$50,634
Augustana University$39,098$44,332$27,0000.69
Black Hills State University$35,996$31,808$27,1870.76
South Dakota State University$35,425$42,502$25,6080.72
University of South Dakota$31,696$47,040$24,5930.78
University of Sioux Falls$27,241$35,901$24,8560.91
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in South Dakota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Dakota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Augustana University
Sioux Falls
$39,190$39,098$27,000
Black Hills State University
Spearfish
$9,000$35,996$27,187
South Dakota State University
Brookings
$9,299$35,425$25,608
University of South Dakota
Vermillion
$9,432$31,696$24,593
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls
$20,740$27,241$24,856

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 Northern State University, approximately 12% 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.