Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,543
95th percentile
60th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$24,225
5% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth$14,318$38,543$45,061$24,2250.63
College of Saint BenedictSaint Joseph$53,884$41,029$45,302$27,0000.66
Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul$9,780$40,958$44,425$30,1550.74
Capella UniversityMinneapolis$14,436$39,764$43,554$40,8161.03
University of St ThomasSaint Paul$52,284$38,396$51,174$27,0000.70
Walden UniversityMinneapolis$12,498$37,944$41,079$52,7811.39
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 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.