Psychology at The University of Olivet

A $25,656 starting salary is strikingly low for a bachelor's degree—about $6,000 below Michigan's median for psychology programs and in just the 5th percentile nationally. While psychology isn't typically a high-earning field immediately after graduation, most Michigan programs do substantially better: nearby competitors like Spring Arbor and Cornerstone start grads nearly $10,000 higher. The 40th percentile state ranking means this program underperforms most in-state alternatives, despite charging similar debt loads.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.05 means graduates owe slightly more than they'll earn in their first year—manageable if earnings grow quickly, but concerning given the starting point is already well below average. With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on education as an economic ladder, and these outcomes suggest limited immediate returns. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) does warrant caution, but the gap to peer institutions is wide enough to signal a pattern.

If your child is set on psychology at a Michigan school, the data suggests looking elsewhere unless Olivet offers compelling non-financial reasons. Even modest improvements—reaching the state median of $30,100—would make a meaningful difference in managing that $27,000 debt load. For families watching every dollar, this program's outcomes trail too far behind available alternatives.