Analysis
University of the Cumberlands graduates earn $36,913 in their first year—outperforming 89% of psychology programs nationally and 80% within Kentucky, where the typical graduate makes just $28,790. This is impressive for a school with a 71% admission rate serving a largely Pell-eligible student body. The $21,750 median debt sits well below both state and national averages, translating to a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio. Among Kentucky schools, only Spalding and Northern Kentucky place graduates into higher-paying positions.
The concerning element is that earnings actually decline slightly by year four, dropping to $35,801. This 3% dip is unusual and suggests graduates may hit an early ceiling in their careers, though the moderate sample size means individual circumstances could skew this figure. Still, even at the four-year mark, these graduates outpace most Kentucky psychology programs.
For families weighing the investment, this program delivers strong placement relative to both state and national peers while keeping debt reasonable. The earnings trajectory bears watching, but the combination of above-average starting salaries and below-average debt makes this a solid choice for students planning to work in Kentucky's job market after graduation.
Where University of the Cumberlands Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of the Cumberlands 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 the Cumberlands | $36,913 | $35,801 | -3% |
| Georgetown College | $33,921 | $43,886 | +29% |
| University of Kentucky | $28,551 | $41,186 | +44% |
| University of Louisville | $30,416 | $39,677 | +30% |
| Spalding University | $40,262 | $39,085 | -3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg | $9,875 | $36,913 | $35,801 | $21,750 | 0.59 |
 Spalding UniversityLouisville | $27,850 | $40,262 | $39,085 | $31,750 | 0.79 |
 Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights | $10,896 | $36,209 | $35,440 | $26,088 | 0.72 |
 Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown | $42,010 | $33,921 | $43,886 | $27,000 | 0.80 |
 Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville | $26,990 | $31,478 | — | $23,250 | 0.74 |
 University of LouisvilleLouisville | $12,828 | $30,416 | $39,677 | $23,500 | 0.77 |
| 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 the Cumberlands, approximately 48% 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 81 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.