Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,416
41st percentile
60th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$23,500
8% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Louisville$30,416$39,677+30%
Georgetown College$33,921$43,886+29%
University of Kentucky$28,551$41,186+44%
Spalding University$40,262$39,085-3%
Midway University$27,403$37,583+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of LouisvilleLouisville$12,828$30,416$39,677$23,5000.77
Spalding UniversityLouisville$27,850$40,262$39,085$31,7500.79
University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg$9,875$36,913$35,801$21,7500.59
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights$10,896$36,209$35,440$26,0880.72
Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown$42,010$33,921$43,886$27,0000.80
Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville$26,990$31,478$23,2500.74
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

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:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.