Analysis
Washington State University's psychology program quietly outperforms most of the competition, ranking in the 85th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $36,216—well above the national median of $31,482. While it sits at the 60th percentile within Washington state, it's actually competitive with much higher-profile programs like the University of Washington, and graduates see solid 32% earnings growth by year four.
The debt picture is reasonable at $21,500, creating a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio that's below both national and state medians. This means graduates typically earn enough in their first year to service their loans comfortably. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these numbers reflect real outcomes, not statistical flukes.
For psychology majors, WSU delivers strong value—better earnings than three-quarters of programs nationwide, moderate debt levels, and steady income growth. Given the program's accessibility (85% admission rate) and solid financial outcomes, it represents a smart choice for students interested in psychology who want to avoid the debt burdens and competitive admission processes of private alternatives.
Where Washington State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Washington State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State University | $36,216 | $47,776 | +32% |
| Gonzaga University | $33,554 | $53,452 | +59% |
| Seattle University | $37,452 | $50,776 | +36% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $34,660 | $50,049 | +44% |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $34,660 | $50,049 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Washington State UniversityPullman | $12,997 | $36,216 | $47,776 | $21,500 | 0.59 |
 Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle | $38,814 | $40,264 | $48,119 | $26,000 | 0.65 |
 Seattle UniversitySeattle | $54,285 | $37,452 | $50,776 | $19,500 | 0.52 |
 Central Washington UniversityEllensburg | $9,192 | $36,964 | $43,638 | $19,500 | 0.53 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $34,660 | $50,049 | $17,426 | 0.50 |
 University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma | $12,817 | $34,660 | $50,049 | $17,426 | 0.50 |
| 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 Washington State University, approximately 26% 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 366 graduates with reported earnings and 474 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.