Psychology at University of Mary Washington

University of Mary Washington's psychology program starts graduates at a challenging $28,887—well below both Virginia's $32,142 median and the national average. But that initial struggle tells only part of the story. By year four, earnings jump 61% to $46,453, eventually surpassing what many Virginia psychology programs deliver even at their starting point. This trajectory suggests the program may be preparing students for careers that require some initial credentialing or experience before paying off, though parents should understand their child will likely need financial support or secondary income during those first years.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $22,989, graduates carry less than the typical Virginia psychology student and significantly less than the national median. That manageable debt load means the rocky start won't compound into a crisis, and the strong earnings growth by year four creates real breathing room for loan repayment. Still, ranking in the 40th percentile among Virginia programs means students here are starting behind peers at schools like George Mason or William & Mary, where initial earnings run $7,000-$8,000 higher.

For families comfortable supporting a graduate through an entry-level phase, this program eventually delivers solid mid-career outcomes at a reasonable debt cost. But students seeking immediate financial independence after graduation should look elsewhere—or plan for graduate school, which may explain the delayed earnings trajectory.