Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,364
24th percentile (40th in FL)
Median Debt
$27,000
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.95
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

Analysis

Starting at $28,364 after graduation from a selective private college creates an immediate financial squeeze—that's actually below both the national median for psychology majors and typical Florida graduates in this field. While Rollins charges private school tuition, the financial outcome lands closer to what you'd expect from a mid-tier public university. The 40th percentile ranking among Florida psychology programs means more than half of the state's schools deliver better immediate returns.

The trajectory improves significantly over four years, with earnings jumping 41% to nearly $40,000. That growth rate is encouraging and suggests graduates find their footing after a slow start. The debt load of $27,000 sits slightly above both state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.95 is manageable—just under the one-year-salary threshold that financial advisors typically flag as concerning.

The core tension here is paying for Rollins' small-class environment and liberal arts experience while accepting entry-level earnings that trail many Florida public universities. If your child is set on psychology and values the Rollins campus culture, understand they'll likely need family support or extremely tight budgeting in those first few years. If maximizing early career earnings matters more, the Florida schools posting $32,000-$40,000 starting salaries deserve serious consideration—especially the public options with lower tuition.

Where Rollins College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Rollins CollegeOther psychology programs

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 Rollins College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rollins College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 24th 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 Florida

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (44 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rollins College$28,364$39,932$27,0000.95
Trinity International University-Florida$39,980—$24,5620.61
Saint Leo University$36,139$35,931$32,4610.90
Palm Beach Atlantic University$35,403$39,584$25,2810.71
University of South Florida$32,438$40,991$21,2670.66
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale$32,346$35,291$49,6881.54
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Trinity International University-Florida
Miami
$14,180$39,980$24,562
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo
$28,360$36,139$32,461
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach
$37,990$35,403$25,281
University of South Florida
Tampa
$6,410$32,438$21,267
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale
$24,136$32,346$49,688

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 Rollins College, approximately 22% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.