Psychology at Taylor University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 Taylor University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Taylor University graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 40th 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 Indiana
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor University | $30,311 | $53,764 | $22,750 | 0.75 |
| Trine University | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses | $37,096 | $39,713 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies | $36,111 | — | $33,611 | 0.93 |
| Indiana State University | $35,742 | $37,358 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trine University Angola | $35,600 | $37,096 | $27,000 |
| Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses Angola | $9,576 | $37,096 | $27,000 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology Fort Wayne | $30,446 | $36,111 | $33,611 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies Fort Wayne | $9,900 | $36,111 | $33,611 |
| Indiana State University Terre Haute | $9,992 | $35,742 | $27,000 |
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.