Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,416
41st percentile (60th in KY)
Median Debt
$23,500
8% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.77
Manageable
Sample Size
154
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Louisville's psychology program stands out in Kentucky for one crucial reason: its graduates see meaningful income growth that outpaces both state and national peers. While the $30,416 starting salary lands slightly below the national median, earnings jump 30% to nearly $40,000 by year four—a trajectory that matters more than day-one numbers for a bachelor's degree designed to open doors rather than close them. Among Kentucky's 24 psychology programs, this ranks 60th percentile for earnings while carrying less debt than the state median, creating a financing advantage over most in-state alternatives.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $23,500—below both state and national medians for psychology majors. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77, graduates owe less than one year's starting income, which is manageable territory for a liberal arts degree. That said, families should understand they're not buying into a top-tier program: Louisville trails Kentucky leaders like Spalding ($40,262) and University of the Cumberlands ($36,913) by $6,000-10,000 in starting earnings.

For Kentucky families seeking an accessible psychology program (81% acceptance rate, reasonable aid for a public university), Louisville offers solid value through its growth trajectory rather than premium starting salaries. The real return shows up in years two through four, not at graduation.

Where University of Louisville Stands

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

University of LouisvilleOther psychology programs

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 Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Louisville graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 41th 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 Kentucky

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (24 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Louisville$30,416$39,677$23,5000.77
Spalding University$40,262$39,085$31,7500.79
University of the Cumberlands$36,913$35,801$21,7500.59
Northern Kentucky University$36,209$35,440$26,0880.72
Georgetown College$33,921$43,886$27,0000.80
Campbellsville University$31,478$23,2500.74
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Kentucky

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Spalding University
Louisville
$27,850$40,262$31,750
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg
$9,875$36,913$21,750
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights
$10,896$36,209$26,088
Georgetown College
Georgetown
$42,010$33,921$27,000
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville
$26,990$31,478$23,250

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 Louisville, approximately 29% 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 154 graduates with reported earnings and 211 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.