Psychology at Southeastern University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Southeastern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southeastern University graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 16th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern University | $26,915 | $30,003 | $25,000 | 0.93 |
| Trinity International University-Florida | $39,980 | — | $24,562 | 0.61 |
| Saint Leo University | $36,139 | $35,931 | $32,461 | 0.90 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | $35,403 | $39,584 | $25,281 | 0.71 |
| University of South Florida | $32,438 | $40,991 | $21,267 | 0.66 |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | $32,346 | $35,291 | $49,688 | 1.54 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity International University-Florida Miami | $14,180 | $39,980 | $24,562 |
| Saint Leo University Saint Leo | $28,360 | $36,139 | $32,461 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach | $37,990 | $35,403 | $25,281 |
| University of South Florida Tampa | $6,410 | $32,438 | $21,267 |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale | $24,136 | $32,346 | $49,688 |
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.