Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University's psychology program starts graduates at below-average salaries but delivers impressive 50% earnings growth over four years. While first-year earnings of $29,462 trail both national and Virginia medians, the jump to $44,078 by year four puts graduates well above typical psychology earners and competitive with Virginia's top programs.

The debt picture offers genuine relief compared to most psychology programs. At $23,199, VCU graduates carry about $2,800 less debt than the Virginia average and $2,300 less than nationally. This lower debt load, combined with the strong earnings trajectory, creates a manageable financial situation—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 is reasonable for a psychology degree, where many programs struggle with higher ratios.

Among Virginia's 41 psychology programs, VCU ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings, which is modest but not concerning given the strong growth pattern. The program's accessibility (93% admission rate) means your child can likely get in, and the substantial earnings improvement suggests VCU provides real career development support. For families seeking a psychology degree that balances affordability with solid long-term prospects, VCU presents a practical choice—just expect a few lean years after graduation before the earnings growth kicks in.