Analysis
Southeastern University's psychology graduates face a challenging financial reality, earning just $26,915 in their first year—roughly $5,000 below Florida's median for psychology programs and nearly $5,000 below the national average. While the program sits near the middle of the pack among Florida schools (40th percentile), it significantly underperforms the national landscape, landing in just the 16th percentile.
The $25,000 debt load translates to nearly a full year's starting salary, creating immediate financial pressure for recent graduates. Even after four years in the workforce, earnings reach only $30,003, still trailing most other Florida programs by a substantial margin. Compare this to nearby alternatives: University of South Florida psychology grads earn $32,438, and several private universities in the state consistently produce graduates earning well into the mid-$30,000s.
For a family considering this program, the calculus is straightforward: you're looking at below-average outcomes combined with typical debt levels. The 12% earnings growth is positive but doesn't overcome the low starting point. If your student is set on psychology at a Florida private school, Palm Beach Atlantic or Saint Leo deliver notably better results for likely comparable costs. If staying local in Lakeland matters, understand you're accepting a significant earnings tradeoff—about $6,000 annually compared to stronger Florida programs.
Where Southeastern University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southeastern University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern University | $26,915 | $30,003 | +11% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,732 | $26,915 | $30,003 | $25,000 | 0.93 | |
| $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 Southeastern University, 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 75 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.