Analysis
Palm Beach Atlantic's psychology graduates earn significantly more than most Florida psychology majors—about $10,000 above the state median of $29,702—placing them in the 60th percentile statewide. While they don't quite match the top earner (Trinity International at $39,980), they outperform well-known programs like University of South Florida and Stetson. The $35,403 starting salary also beats 80% of psychology programs nationally, a solid achievement for a bachelor's degree in this field.
The debt picture is reasonable at $25,281, creating a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can realistically pay down their loans. Earnings grow steadily to nearly $40,000 by year four, showing this program doesn't trap graduates in entry-level positions. Given psychology's typical path toward graduate education or immediate employment in social services, these numbers indicate graduates are finding decent opportunities.
For families considering this program, the key advantage is clear: you're getting Florida psychology earnings near the top tier without the higher debt loads some peer institutions carry. The moderate sample size suggests established outcomes, and the 88% admission rate means access isn't a barrier. If your student is committed to psychology and plans to stay in Florida, this program delivers better-than-average early career results.
Where Palm Beach Atlantic University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Palm Beach Atlantic University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | $35,403 | $39,584 | +12% |
| University of Miami | $30,417 | $47,513 | +56% |
| University of Florida-Online | $26,003 | $46,888 | +80% |
| University of Florida | $26,003 | $46,888 | +80% |
| Florida State University | $30,140 | $44,481 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,990 | $35,403 | $39,584 | $25,281 | 0.71 | |
| $14,180 | $39,980 | — | $24,562 | 0.61 | |
| $28,360 | $36,139 | $35,931 | $32,461 | 0.90 | |
| $6,410 | $32,438 | $40,991 | $21,267 | 0.66 | |
| $24,136 | $32,346 | $35,291 | $49,688 | 1.54 | |
| $55,220 | $31,041 | $41,640 | $23,675 | 0.76 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Palm Beach Atlantic University, approximately 25% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 52 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.