Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,041
46th percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$23,675
7% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.76
Manageable
Sample Size
66
Adequate data

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

Stetson UniversityOther psychology programs

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 Stetson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Stetson University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 46th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Stetson University$31,041$41,640$23,6750.76
Trinity International University-Florida$39,980—$24,5620.61
Saint Leo University$36,139$35,931$32,4610.90
Palm Beach Atlantic University$35,403$39,584$25,2810.71
University of South Florida$32,438$40,991$21,2670.66
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale$32,346$35,291$49,6881.54
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 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.