Analysis
UW-Platteville's psychology graduates start modestly at $33,000 but show impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 32% to reach $43,500 within four years. That growth trajectory outpaces most psychology programs and suggests graduates are successfully moving into more specialized roles or management positions. The manageable $24,225 debt load—below both state and national medians—means the debt-to-earnings ratio improves significantly as careers progress.
However, there's a Wisconsin-specific caveat worth noting: while this program performs above the national average (61st percentile), it ranks in the middle of the pack within Wisconsin itself (40th percentile). Several Wisconsin programs—including Marian, Lakeland, and even UW-Whitewater—post stronger early earnings. For in-state students, this matters less if you're getting lower tuition rates at Platteville, but the comparison suggests other state options might offer better immediate earning potential.
The real value here is the combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings growth. Psychology graduates often need time to build their careers, and Platteville's students appear to be doing exactly that without being weighed down by excessive loans. If your student plans to pursue graduate school or needs several years to establish themselves professionally, starting with below-average debt is a genuine advantage.
Where University of Wisconsin-Platteville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Platteville 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 Wisconsin-Platteville | $32,915 | $43,511 | +32% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $31,985 | $52,087 | +63% |
| Marquette University | $35,076 | $50,539 | +44% |
| Carthage College | $27,741 | $49,688 | +79% |
| Carroll University | $37,079 | $48,351 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,315 | $32,915 | $43,511 | $24,225 | 0.74 | |
| $33,000 | $45,416 | — | $28,468 | 0.63 | |
| $32,286 | $42,355 | $42,673 | $38,866 | 0.92 | |
| $35,080 | $39,874 | $46,913 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| — | $39,596 | — | $27,562 | 0.70 | |
| $8,250 | $38,376 | $45,048 | $26,000 | 0.68 | |
| 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 Wisconsin-Platteville, approximately 21% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 68 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.