Psychology at Southeastern University

A psychology bachelor's degree carries moderate financial risk regardless of where you earn it, and Southeastern's estimated outcomes suggest a similar trajectory. Based on comparable private psychology programs nationally, graduates here likely face around $26,000 in debt—nearly $10,000 above the typical burden for this major—while earning roughly $36,890 in their first year. That 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio means about 8-9 months of pre-tax income devoted to student loans, which is manageable but hardly ideal for a field known for modest starting salaries.

The challenge with psychology degrees isn't unique to this school: the bachelor's alone rarely leads to high-paying positions without additional credentials. First-year earnings in the mid-$30,000s are standard across the field, whether you're working in human services, case management, or entry-level research roles. The extra debt burden here—likely reflecting Southeastern's private tuition—means you're starting from a slightly deeper hole than psychology graduates at public universities, though you're earning what peers elsewhere typically make.

If your student is certain about psychology and plans to stop at the bachelor's level, the financial picture suggests caution. The debt load is livable but won't disappear quickly on typical entry-level salaries. If graduate school is the plan—often necessary for clinical or counseling work—consider whether taking on this debt now makes sense when you'll be borrowing more later.