Psychology at Randolph-Macon College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Randolph-Macon's psychology graduates earn substantially more than typical psychology majors—landing in the 83rd percentile nationally and well above both Virginia and U.S. medians. First-year earnings of $36,000 jump to nearly $46,000 by year four, a 27% increase that suggests graduates are finding career traction. The $27,000 in debt translates to a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio, below the national median for psychology programs.
The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. Still, the pattern is encouraging. While not quite matching Virginia's top performers like VMI or William & Mary, Randolph-Macon's psychology program produces mid-career outcomes that beat 60% of Virginia programs and four out of five programs nationally. For a school with an 83% admission rate, that's noteworthy.
For parents, this looks like reasonable value if your student is interested in psychology—a field notorious for modest early earnings. The debt load is contained, earnings growth is strong, and outcomes surpass most alternatives. Just remember these figures could be volatile given the small graduating class.
Where Randolph-Macon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Randolph-Macon College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Randolph-Macon College graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 83th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
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 Virginia
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randolph-Macon College | $35,967 | $45,649 | $27,000 | 0.75 |
| Virginia Military Institute | $44,163 | $60,540 | $19,250 | 0.44 |
| William & Mary | $36,818 | $51,232 | $19,379 | 0.53 |
| George Mason University | $36,326 | $48,517 | $21,000 | 0.58 |
| University of Richmond | $36,309 | $51,312 | $25,500 | 0.70 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $36,121 | $60,347 | $19,500 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military Institute Lexington | $20,484 | $44,163 | $19,250 |
| William & Mary Williamsburg | $25,040 | $36,818 | $19,379 |
| George Mason University Fairfax | $13,815 | $36,326 | $21,000 |
| University of Richmond University of Richmond | $62,600 | $36,309 | $25,500 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville | $20,986 | $36,121 | $19,500 |
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 Randolph-Macon College, approximately 20% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.