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
Earnings Distribution
How Randolph-Macon College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randolph-Macon College | $35,967 | $45,649 | +27% |
| Virginia Military Institute | $44,163 | $60,540 | +37% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $36,121 | $60,347 | +67% |
| Marymount University | $33,277 | $52,616 | +58% |
| University of Richmond | $36,309 | $51,312 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Randolph-Macon CollegeAshland | $48,002 | $35,967 | $45,649 | $27,000 | 0.75 |
 Virginia Military InstituteLexington | $20,484 | $44,163 | $60,540 | $19,250 | 0.44 |
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $36,818 | $51,232 | $19,379 | 0.53 |
 George Mason UniversityFairfax | $13,815 | $36,326 | $48,517 | $21,000 | 0.58 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $36,309 | $51,312 | $25,500 | 0.70 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $36,121 | $60,347 | $19,500 | 0.54 |
| 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 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.