Analysis
The University of Arizona's psychology program offers a compelling growth trajectory that sets it apart from typical bachelor's psychology outcomes. While graduates start at $33,699βjust above the national medianβtheir earnings jump 32% to $44,609 by year four, significantly outpacing the modest growth typical in this field. This suggests the program or its alumni network creates meaningful career advancement opportunities beyond entry-level positions.
However, there's a notable disconnect between national and state performance. Though this program ranks in the 67th percentile nationally, it falls to just the 40th percentile among Arizona's psychology programs, trailing Arizona State and Northern Arizona University by several thousand dollars. The $20,374 debt load is actually lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60.
For families considering this investment, the key advantage is the strong earnings growth pattern rather than immediate post-graduation income. The lower debt burden provides breathing room during those crucial early career years, and the robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes. If your child is motivated to leverage networking and career services for advancement, this program offers solid long-term value despite its middle-of-the-pack performance within Arizona.
Where University of Arizona Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arizona 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | $33,699 | $44,609 | +32% |
| Duke University | $33,559 | $72,857 | +117% |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $37,312 | $45,403 | +22% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $37,312 | $45,403 | +22% |
| Northern Arizona University | $33,844 | $40,983 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,626 | $33,699 | $44,609 | $20,374 | 0.60 | |
| $35,300 | $39,596 | β | $27,562 | 0.70 | |
| β | $37,312 | $45,403 | $23,000 | 0.62 | |
| $12,051 | $37,312 | $45,403 | $23,000 | 0.62 | |
| $12,652 | $33,844 | $40,983 | $22,492 | 0.66 | |
| $35,685 | $29,888 | β | $31,334 | 1.05 | |
| 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 University of Arizona, approximately 26% 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 329 graduates with reported earnings and 410 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.