Analysis
University of Minnesota-Duluth's psychology program punches well above its weight class nationally—landing in the 95th percentile for graduate earnings—though it occupies the middle of Minnesota's competitive psychology landscape at the 60th percentile. With first-year graduates earning $38,543 and reaching $45,061 by year four, these outcomes exceed both the national median ($31,482) and Minnesota's state median ($36,243) by substantial margins. The debt load of $24,225 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 that allows graduates to service loans without undue hardship.
The state context reveals important nuances: while UMD psychology majors earn less than peers at schools like College of Saint Benedict or Metropolitan State, they're still performing well above most Minnesota programs and significantly outpacing the national field. The 17% earnings growth trajectory from year one to year four suggests graduates find progressively better opportunities as they gain experience, which is encouraging given psychology's typical career arc requiring additional credentials or time to reach higher-paying roles.
For an 82% admission rate school with moderate selectivity, these outcomes represent solid value. Parents should feel confident their investment will yield earnings sufficient to manage the debt burden, though students eyeing the state's highest-paying psychology roles might need graduate education or strategic career positioning. This program offers reliable entry into the field without the financial strain many psychology majors face elsewhere.
Where University of Minnesota-Duluth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | $38,543 | $45,061 | +17% |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | $33,174 | $53,981 | +63% |
| University of St Thomas | $38,396 | $51,174 | +33% |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | $31,367 | $50,740 | +62% |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul | $36,243 | $49,552 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,318 | $38,543 | $45,061 | $24,225 | 0.63 | |
| $53,884 | $41,029 | $45,302 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $9,780 | $40,958 | $44,425 | $30,155 | 0.74 | |
| $14,436 | $39,764 | $43,554 | $40,816 | 1.03 | |
| $52,284 | $38,396 | $51,174 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| $12,498 | $37,944 | $41,079 | $52,781 | 1.39 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Minnesota-Duluth, approximately 18% 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 150 graduates with reported earnings and 205 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.