Psychology at University of Central Florida
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UCF's psychology program delivers solid value with significantly lower debt than most alternatives. While first-year earnings of $31,013 land near the national median, graduates here carry just $19,432 in debt—well below both the national ($25,500) and Florida state averages ($24,562). This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, meaning students can realistically pay off their loans.
The program performs better within Florida than nationally, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 44 psychology programs. Earnings growth is encouraging, jumping 22% to nearly $38,000 by year four. However, it's worth noting that even top-performing Florida psychology programs like Trinity International ($39,980) and Saint Leo ($36,139) don't dramatically outpace UCF's four-year earnings trajectory.
For psychology majors, this program offers a practical advantage: you'll graduate with substantially less debt than peers at most schools while earning competitively within Florida's market. The lower debt burden provides crucial flexibility for graduate school or entry-level positions that many psychology careers require. Given UCF's reasonable selectivity and the robust sample size supporting these numbers, this represents a financially sensible choice for psychology studies in Florida.
Where University of Central Florida 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 Central Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Central Florida graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 46th 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 Florida
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | $31,013 | $37,946 | $19,432 | 0.63 |
| Trinity International University-Florida | $39,980 | — | $24,562 | 0.61 |
| Saint Leo University | $36,139 | $35,931 | $32,461 | 0.90 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | $35,403 | $39,584 | $25,281 | 0.71 |
| University of South Florida | $32,438 | $40,991 | $21,267 | 0.66 |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | $32,346 | $35,291 | $49,688 | 1.54 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity International University-Florida Miami | $14,180 | $39,980 | $24,562 |
| Saint Leo University Saint Leo | $28,360 | $36,139 | $32,461 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach | $37,990 | $35,403 | $25,281 |
| University of South Florida Tampa | $6,410 | $32,438 | $21,267 |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale | $24,136 | $32,346 | $49,688 |
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 Central Florida, approximately 33% 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 962 graduates with reported earnings and 1153 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.