Psychology at University of Illinois Springfield

UIS psychology graduates start modestly at $32,000 but see their earnings jump to nearly $43,000 by year four—a 34% increase that suggests graduates are successfully moving beyond entry-level positions. While this program lands below the Illinois median initially, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide, that strong upward trajectory narrows the gap considerably.

The $23,500 in typical debt sits below both state and national averages, creating a manageable first-year ratio of 0.73. For perspective, graduates at Northwestern earn $44,000 initially, but they also likely carry significantly higher debt loads from a private university. The real comparison point here is whether paying in-state tuition at UIS—with its 84% admission rate making it accessible to most applicants—makes sense when nearby options like National Louis or Chicago School produce similar four-year outcomes.

The earnings growth pattern is the encouraging part of this story. Psychology graduates often need graduate school or experience to build earning power, and this program shows that progression happening. Parents should verify whether their student plans to pursue advanced degrees, which most psychology majors eventually need for licensed positions. For students planning to work immediately after graduation and potentially return to school later, this presents a low-debt path with room for income growth.