Analysis
Wisconsin's psychology graduates face a challenging earnings landscape, and the estimated $27,000 debt load at Viterbo mirrors what similar private institutions in the state typically produce. Based on comparable psychology programs statewide, first-year earnings around $35,000 represent the median outcome—not particularly strong, but roughly in line with what most Wisconsin schools deliver for this degree.
The progression to nearly $42,000 by year four offers some reassurance that earnings don't stagnate, though this still leaves psychology graduates well behind higher-performing programs in the state. Several Wisconsin schools—including Marian, Lakeland, and Wisconsin Lutheran—report first-year earnings in the $39,000-$45,000 range for their psychology graduates, suggesting that program choice within the state matters considerably. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 is manageable but tight, requiring careful budgeting in those early career years.
For parents evaluating Viterbo's psychology program, the core question is whether the private school experience justifies outcomes that peer data suggests will be middle-of-the-pack. The estimated figures point to a workable but not exceptional financial picture—graduates should expect to manage their debt, but probably not pay it down quickly. If your student is committed to psychology and values Viterbo's smaller environment, understand that the financial payoff will likely require either graduate school or pivoting into higher-paying adjacent fields.
Where Viterbo University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viterbo University | — | $41,842 | — |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,350 | $35,139* | $41,842 | $27,000* | — | |
| $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 Viterbo University, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 23 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.