Psychology at South University-Columbia

South University-Columbia's psychology program charges more than double the debt load typical for this field—$54,702 versus a national median of $25,500—while producing earnings that trail most psychology programs nationally. Starting at $28,684, graduates earn below the national median but actually perform reasonably well within South Carolina, landing at the 60th percentile statewide. The 29% earnings growth to $36,910 by year four is encouraging, but that upward trajectory doesn't change the fundamental math: you're taking on twice the debt for middle-of-the-pack outcomes.

The student body here is 58% Pell-eligible, meaning many families are already facing financial constraints. Borrowing nearly $55,000 for a psychology bachelor's—a field where median earnings across the country are only $31,482—creates serious financial pressure. Within South Carolina, programs at Charleston Southern and Wofford produce $6,000-7,000 higher starting salaries with typically far less debt. Even Clemson, a larger public institution, shows stronger earnings potential.

For families considering this program, the question is stark: can you justify the premium debt burden for earnings that, while growing, remain modest even after four years? Unless your student plans immediate graduate school (where the bachelor's is just a stepping stone) or has substantial non-loan funding, this represents a challenging financial starting point for a psychology career.