Psychology at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University's psychology program performs solidly above both national and state averages, landing in the 68th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Illinois schools. With first-year earnings of $33,795 rising to $41,062 by year four, graduates see meaningful income growth while keeping debt manageable at $26,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means graduates owe about nine months of their first-year salary—tight but workable for a psychology bachelor's degree.

The 22% earnings growth over four years is particularly encouraging and suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market, whether that's in social services, human resources, or related fields. While Northwestern's psychology grads earn notably more out of the gate, they likely also carry significantly higher debt. Roosevelt serves a diverse student body (46% receive Pell grants) and delivers outcomes that beat most competitors at a relatively affordable price point.

For a student planning to work immediately after graduation, this represents fair value. However, psychology bachelor's holders often need graduate school to access higher-paying clinical or research roles. If your child is considering that path, factor in additional debt. If they're looking to enter the workforce directly—perhaps in case management, HR support, or community outreach—Roosevelt's combination of reasonable debt and above-median earnings makes it a sensible choice among Chicago-area options.