Psychology at Portland State University

Portland State University's psychology program produces graduates who earn moderately above national and state averages, though they're not among Oregon's top performers. With first-year earnings of $33,179 compared to the national median of $31,482 and Oregon's $32,422, PSU psychology majors start ahead of most peers nationwide and within the state. However, they trail behind graduates from Pacific University, Oregon State, and several other Oregon institutions by roughly $1,000-1,700 annually.

The debt picture is manageable, with graduates owing a median $24,499—slightly less than both national and state averages. This creates a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, meaning students can expect to earn more than their total debt in their first year out. The 22% earnings growth over four years shows solid career progression, bringing mid-career earnings to $40,458.

For families considering PSU's psychology program, the numbers suggest decent value without exceptional returns. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a solid foundation, particularly given PSU's 91% admission rate and accessibility to students from various economic backgrounds. While not the highest-earning psychology program in Oregon, it offers a reasonable path forward for students interested in the field without taking on excessive debt.