Analysis
Taylor University's psychology program shows modest early earnings but dramatic income growth that deserves attention, though the small graduate sample means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. At $30,311 in year one, graduates start slightly below both the Indiana median ($33,132) and national average—landing at the 40th percentile in both comparisons. However, by year four, earnings jump 77% to $53,764, which significantly outpaces typical psychology graduate trajectories.
The debt picture offers some relief: $22,750 is lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means graduates carry less than a year's starting salary in debt, which provides breathing room during those lower-earning early years. The steeper-than-usual earnings curve suggests Taylor graduates may be entering fields or pursuing additional credentials that pay off over time, though with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, individual career choices could be skewing these results more than they would at a larger program.
If your child is considering Taylor's psychology program, the low debt is genuinely helpful, but prepare for potentially tight finances in the first few years after graduation. The earnings trajectory looks promising, but verify it aligns with your child's actual post-graduation plans—graduate school, ministry work, or counseling paths could all produce very different financial outcomes than these averages suggest.
Where Taylor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Taylor 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor University | $30,311 | $53,764 | +77% |
| University of Indianapolis | $32,237 | $56,992 | +77% |
| Saint Mary's College | $32,213 | $47,897 | +49% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $33,810 | $47,627 | +41% |
| Indiana University-South Bend | $32,143 | $44,088 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,104 | $30,311 | $53,764 | $22,750 | 0.75 | |
| $35,600 | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 | |
| $9,576 | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 | |
| $30,446 | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 | |
| $9,900 | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 | |
| $9,992 | $35,742 | $37,358 | $27,000 | 0.76 | |
| 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 Taylor University, approximately 13% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.