Analysis
A bachelor's in psychology at Tiffin University comes with an estimated $35,173 in debt—more than double the $16,472 national median for psychology programs. While the school serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, that debt level puts graduates in the bottom 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of psychology programs nationwide saddle students with less debt. Based on comparable bachelor's psychology programs nationally, first-year earnings hover around $36,890, creating a nearly 1:1 debt-to-income ratio that makes standard loan repayment challenging on an entry-level salary.
Psychology bachelor's degrees rarely lead directly to high-paying careers—most psychology graduates need additional credentials for clinical work—so carrying this much debt from the undergraduate stage significantly constrains future options. The estimated earnings suggest graduates would dedicate roughly 15-20% of their gross income to loan payments under standard repayment plans, leaving limited flexibility for graduate school costs or basic living expenses. With Ohio reporting similar debt levels across its psychology programs, this appears to be a state-wide pattern rather than specific to Tiffin.
The core question is whether this debt load makes sense for a degree that typically serves as preparation for graduate school rather than a terminal credential. If your child needs additional education for their career goals, starting $35,000 in debt makes that path considerably steeper. This program might work for students with substantial family support or clear plans to enter the workforce immediately, but the financial picture is tight enough that alternative paths deserve serious consideration.
Where Tiffin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Psychology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,400 | $36,890* | — | $35,173 | — | |
| $15,265 | $47,672* | — | $18,200 | 0.38 | |
| $46,140 | $47,348* | $60,881 | $26,000 | 0.55 | |
| $65,997 | $36,890* | $59,494 | $11,630 | 0.32 | |
| $15,247 | $31,345* | $53,727 | $14,745 | 0.47 | |
| $33,860 | $29,234* | $35,005 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $36,890* | — | $16,472 | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
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 Tiffin University, approximately 36% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.