Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,915
61st percentile (40th in WI)
Median Debt
$24,225
5% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.74
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

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

University of Wisconsin-PlattevilleOther 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 Wisconsin-Platteville graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 61th 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 Wisconsin

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-Platteville$32,915$43,511$24,2250.74
Marian University$45,416—$28,4680.63
Lakeland University$42,355$42,673$38,8660.92
Wisconsin Lutheran College$39,874$46,913$27,0000.68
Ottawa University-Milwaukee$39,596—$27,5620.70
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater$38,376$45,048$26,0000.68
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Marian University
Fond Du Lac
$33,000$45,416$28,468
Lakeland University
Plymouth
$32,286$42,355$38,866
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Milwaukee
$35,080$39,874$27,000
Ottawa University-Milwaukee
Brookfield
—$39,596$27,562
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater
$8,250$38,376$26,000

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.