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
Earnings Distribution
How Rollins 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollins College | $28,364 | $39,932 | +41% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,300 | $28,364 | $39,932 | $27,000 | 0.95 | |
| $14,180 | $39,980 | — | $24,562 | 0.61 | |
| $28,360 | $36,139 | $35,931 | $32,461 | 0.90 | |
| $37,990 | $35,403 | $39,584 | $25,281 | 0.71 | |
| $6,410 | $32,438 | $40,991 | $21,267 | 0.66 | |
| $24,136 | $32,346 | $35,291 | $49,688 | 1.54 | |
| 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 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.