Psychology at Shepherd University

Shepherd University's psychology program shows modest initial earnings at $31,282, but the trajectory tells a more promising story. With 36% earnings growth by year four, graduates reach $42,528—well above both the national median and the state median. Among West Virginia's psychology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only American Public's online program by a significant margin but outperforming larger state universities like WVU and Marshall by year four.

The $22,500 debt load is actually lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that should be payable within a few years. This is notable given that most psychology programs saddle students with around $25,500 in debt for similar or lower earning potential.

The major caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. That said, if these patterns hold, this program offers a reasonable pathway for West Virginia students planning to stay in-state or nearby. The combination of below-average debt and above-average state earnings makes it a practical choice, though families should verify current program outcomes given the small cohort size.