Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,888
53rd percentile
40th percentile in Utah
Median Debt
$18,500
27% below national median

Analysis

Utah Valley University's psychology program stands out for keeping debt exceptionally low while delivering solid long-term earning potential. At $18,500 in median debt—landing in the 5th percentile nationally—this program offers one of the most affordable psychology degrees you'll find anywhere. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates can realistically manage their payments from day one.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While starting salaries of $31,888 place graduates slightly below Utah's state median, the 27% growth to $40,516 by year four demonstrates real career momentum. This puts UVU roughly in the middle nationally but toward the lower end within Utah, where it ranks 40th percentile among state programs. However, when you compare the full value equation—lower debt with respectable earnings growth—UVU competes well against pricier alternatives like University of Utah or BYU.

For families concerned about college affordability, this program delivers psychology education without the crushing debt burden that often accompanies the field. While your child won't start with the highest salary in Utah, the combination of manageable debt and solid earnings growth creates a sustainable financial foundation. The robust sample size gives confidence these numbers are reliable, making this a practical choice for students serious about psychology without wanting to mortgage their future.

Where Utah Valley University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Utah Valley University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Utah Valley University$31,888$40,516+27%
Brigham Young University$33,694$44,664+33%
University of Utah$36,000$42,396+18%
Utah Tech University$33,634$41,535+23%
Utah State University$28,509$41,237+45%

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Utah Valley UniversityOrem$6,270$31,888$40,516$18,5000.58
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$36,000$42,396$23,5000.65
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$33,694$44,664$11,0000.33
Utah Tech UniversitySaint George$6,074$33,634$41,535$21,0000.62
Weber State UniversityOgden$6,391$33,210$39,512$28,4760.86
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$28,509$41,237$18,4610.65
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 Utah Valley University, approximately 23% 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 369 graduates with reported earnings and 353 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.