Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,915
16th percentile
40th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$25,000
2% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southeastern UniversityLakeland$31,732$26,915$30,003$25,0000.93
Trinity International University-FloridaMiami$14,180$39,980$24,5620.61
Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo$28,360$36,139$35,931$32,4610.90
Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityWest Palm Beach$37,990$35,403$39,584$25,2810.71
University of South FloridaTampa$6,410$32,438$40,991$21,2670.66
Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale$24,136$32,346$35,291$49,6881.54
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.