Analysis
Stetson's psychology graduates start near the national median but climb quickly, with earnings jumping 34% by year four—reaching $41,640, well above what most psychology programs deliver even at graduation. That growth trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, especially considering the debt load of $23,675 sits comfortably below both state and national medians.
Within Florida's competitive psychology landscape, Stetson ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings despite having a relatively open admissions policy (86% acceptance rate). While elite programs like Trinity International and Saint Leo post higher immediate earnings, few psychology degrees anywhere provide this combination of manageable debt and strong mid-term growth. The 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—a reasonable burden that becomes increasingly manageable as earnings rise.
The real consideration here is whether your child plans to pursue graduate school, since psychology careers often require advanced degrees for the highest earnings. If they're heading straight to work, Stetson provides solid preparation with debt that won't constrain their next steps. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes across cohorts rather than isolated success stories.
Where Stetson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Stetson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stetson University | $31,041 | $41,640 | +34% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,220 | $31,041 | $41,640 | $23,675 | 0.76 | |
| $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 Stetson University, approximately 35% 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 66 graduates with reported earnings and 100 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.