Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,543
95th percentile (60th in MN)
Median Debt
$24,225
5% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.63
Manageable
Sample Size
150
Adequate data

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

University of Minnesota-DuluthOther 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 Minnesota-Duluth graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 95th 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 Minnesota

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Minnesota-Duluth$38,543$45,061$24,2250.63
College of Saint Benedict$41,029$45,302$27,0000.66
Metropolitan State University$40,958$44,425$30,1550.74
Capella University$39,764$43,554$40,8161.03
University of St Thomas$38,396$51,174$27,0000.70
Walden University$37,944$41,079$52,7811.39
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph
$53,884$41,029$27,000
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul
$9,780$40,958$30,155
Capella University
Minneapolis
$14,436$39,764$40,816
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul
$52,284$38,396$27,000
Walden University
Minneapolis
$12,498$37,944$52,781

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.