Research and Experimental Psychology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

While UIUC's research psychology program falls slightly below the national median for earnings, it significantly outperforms other Illinois schools in this field. At $33,384 versus the state median of $32,685, graduates earn about $700 more than typical psychology majors in Illinois—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The program even edges out prestigious University of Chicago graduates by about $1,400, demonstrating solid value within the state's competitive landscape.

The financial picture looks manageable with $20,050 in median debt producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60. This means graduates can expect to earn their total debt amount in about seven months of work—well within reasonable bounds. The debt load sits below both the national median ($21,500) and Illinois median ($23,444) for this field, giving UIUC graduates a financial advantage over peers elsewhere.

However, psychology typically requires graduate school for career advancement, so these first-year earnings represent just the starting point. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, and UIUC's strong academic reputation should provide good preparation for graduate programs. For families considering this path, the combination of below-average debt and competitive in-state earnings makes this a solid foundation degree, particularly if graduate school is part of the plan.