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 Illinois

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (52 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$52,881
Northwestern University$44,088$61,389$14,5000.33
St. Augustine College$42,911$5,0500.12
Trinity International University-Illinois$39,980$24,5620.61
The Chicago School at Chicago$39,596$40,6451.03
National Louis University$35,798$37,1701.04
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Northwestern University
Evanston
$65,997$44,088$14,500
St. Augustine College
Chicago
$13,288$42,911$5,050
Trinity International University-Illinois
Deerfield
$12,320$39,980$24,562
The Chicago School at Chicago
Chicago
$20,844$39,596$40,645
National Louis University
Chicago
$12,345$35,798$37,170

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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 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.