Analysis
Weber State's psychology program lands squarely in the middle of Utah's offerings—tied with the state median for first-year earnings at $33,210 and outpacing 64% of similar programs nationally. What makes this worth examining is the debt picture: at $28,476, graduates carry about $10,000 more than Utah's typical psychology bachelor's recipient and significantly more than they'd face at several comparable state schools. This pushes the debt load to 86% of first-year earnings, which isn't dire but creates a heavier financial start than many peers deal with.
The trajectory shows promise, with earnings climbing 19% to $39,512 by year four—solid growth that helps offset the initial debt burden. Weber State performs competitively against most in-state options except the University of Utah, which starts graduates about $3,000 higher. For students comparing public Utah schools, the real question becomes whether Weber's location or specific program features justify carrying nearly 50% more debt than they might at other state institutions offering similar earning outcomes.
The practical reality: this program delivers average results at above-average cost for Utah. Families comfortable with the additional debt will see their graduate reach reasonable mid-career earnings, but those prioritizing lower student loans should explore other Utah public options first—particularly if geography isn't the deciding factor.
Where Weber State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Weber 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber State University | $33,210 | $39,512 | +19% |
| 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)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,391 | $33,210 | $39,512 | $28,476 | 0.86 | |
| $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 | |
| $6,270 | $31,888 | $40,516 | $18,500 | 0.58 | |
| $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 Weber State University, approximately 16% 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 69 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.