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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,270 | $31,888 | $40,516 | $18,500 | 0.58 | |
| $9,315 | $36,000 | $42,396 | $23,500 | 0.65 | |
| $6,496 | $33,694 | $44,664 | $11,000 | 0.33 | |
| $6,074 | $33,634 | $41,535 | $21,000 | 0.62 | |
| $6,391 | $33,210 | $39,512 | $28,476 | 0.86 | |
| $9,228 | $28,509 | $41,237 | $18,461 | 0.65 | |
| 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 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.