Analysis
Similar psychology programs in Nebraska suggest first-year earnings around $35,200 against estimated debt of $27,000βa manageable ratio of 0.77 that's better than many bachelor's degree programs. However, this figure sits at the median for Nebraska psychology graduates, meaning half of comparable programs produce lower returns. Given Union Adventist's 100% acceptance rate and relatively small student body (as evidenced by the suppressed data), you're looking at a program without the distinguishing outcomes that would justify confidence in these estimates.
The real concern is the context: Nebraska's top-performing psychology programs show a clear earnings hierarchy, with Concordia and Bellevue graduates earning $4,000-5,000 more in their first year. That difference compounds quickly and matters significantly when psychology often requires graduate education for advancement. With limited actual outcome data from Union Adventist itself, you're essentially betting that this small program performs at the state average rather than below it.
Before committing, verify what percentage of Union Adventist psychology graduates actually pursue the graduate degrees most psychology careers requireβand whether those students successfully transition into clinical, counseling, or research roles. The debt load is reasonable only if this bachelor's degree serves as a solid foundation for further education, not as a terminal credential in a field where advancement requires specialization.
Where Union Adventist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,990 | $35,218* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $39,330 | $39,883* | $37,301 | $27,000* | 0.68 | |
| $8,886 | $38,928* | β | $28,833* | 0.74 | |
| $8,370 | $36,094* | $40,143 | $21,783* | 0.60 | |
| $41,658 | $35,540* | $40,348 | $27,000* | 0.76 | |
| $40,491 | $34,896* | $36,610 | $27,000* | 0.77 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482* | β | $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 Union Adventist University, approximately 24% 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 median of 8 similar programs in NE. Actual outcomes may vary.