Location: Lawrence, KS•In-State Tuition: $11,700•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,412•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1186
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$34,769
Est. from national median (84 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,500
Est. from national median (41 programs)

Analysis

A psychology bachelor's degree with an estimated debt load of $20,500 sits right at the national median, but the projected first-year earnings of $34,769 place graduates in a challenging financial position. Similar research psychology programs across Kansas—including Kansas State's reported outcome of $36,257—suggest starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s are typical for this field. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, graduates would owe roughly 7 months of their gross annual salary, a manageable but not comfortable burden for an entry-level income that barely edges above $33,000.

The reality is that psychology bachelor's degrees rarely lead directly to high-paying careers without additional credentials. Many graduates pursue master's or doctoral programs to become licensed practitioners, or they pivot to adjacent fields like human resources, social services, or market research—roles where earning potential varies considerably. Kansas's accessible state school pricing helps keep debt reasonable compared to private alternatives, but the field itself imposes income limitations at this credential level. If your child plans to stop at a bachelor's degree rather than pursue graduate education, comparable programs suggest they'll face several years of modest earnings while establishing themselves professionally.

Where University of Kansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all research and experimental psychology bachelors's programs nationally

University of Kansas (estimated ±10%)Other research and experimental psychology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Research and Experimental Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of KansasLawrence$11,700$34,769*—$20,500*—
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$36,257*—$20,035*0.55
National Median—$34,768*—$21,500*0.62
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with research and experimental psychology graduates

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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 Kansas, approximately 20% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 84 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.