Psychology at Tabor College

The $27,562 debt load estimated for this program sits right at the Kansas median for psychology bachelor's degrees, but the earnings picture—while based on peer programs across the state—reveals a fundamental challenge. At $36,555, first-year earnings match the state median yet barely exceed what comparable Kansas programs produce. Meanwhile, top performers like Fort Hays State University and the Ottawa University system consistently see their psychology graduates earning above $39,000 in year one, creating a $3,000-$4,000 gap that compounds over time.

What makes this particularly relevant for Tabor is the 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio. While not alarming on its face, it means graduates would dedicate three-quarters of their first year's salary to eliminating debt if they pursued aggressive repayment. For a psychology bachelor's—which nationally earns about $31,500 and often requires graduate education for career advancement—this creates genuine financial pressure. The program does perform better than the national median by roughly $5,000, but that advantage disappears when compared to Kansas alternatives within an hour's drive.

If your child is set on Tabor for community or values alignment, understand they'll likely face similar financial outcomes to the typical Kansas psychology graduate: manageable debt but modest starting earnings. However, if career earnings are the priority, the data from peer programs suggests looking at Fort Hays or the Ottawa system, where reported outcomes show materially better returns on a similar educational investment.