Psychology at University of Arizona
Bachelor's Degree
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 $33,699—just above the national median—their 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
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 University of Arizona graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Arizona graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 67th 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 Arizona
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | $33,699 | $44,609 | $20,374 | 0.60 |
| Ottawa University-Surprise | $39,596 | — | $27,562 | 0.70 |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $37,312 | $45,403 | $23,000 | 0.62 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $37,312 | $45,403 | $23,000 | 0.62 |
| Northern Arizona University | $33,844 | $40,983 | $22,492 | 0.66 |
| Prescott College | $29,888 | — | $31,334 | 1.05 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa University-Surprise Surprise | $35,300 | $39,596 | $27,562 |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale | — | $37,312 | $23,000 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe | $12,051 | $37,312 | $23,000 |
| Northern Arizona University Flagstaff | $12,652 | $33,844 | $22,492 |
| Prescott College Prescott | $35,685 | $29,888 | $31,334 |
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.