Psychology at Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University's psychology program starts slow but shows impressive trajectory, with earnings jumping 29% from year one to year four. That growth rate stands out in a field where many graduates see minimal gains early in their careers. The catch? First-year earnings of $30,471 fall slightly below both the Illinois median ($32,287) and national average, landing this program in the 40th percentile statewide.

The debt picture is notably good—$29,000 puts this in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of psychology programs saddle students with more debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, graduates can expect to earn more than they owe within their first year. By year four, when earnings reach $39,411, the debt burden becomes even more manageable. For context, this trails elite options like Northwestern ($44,088) but compares favorably to mid-tier Illinois alternatives.

The real question is whether your student can weather those lean first years. Psychology often requires graduate work or time to build expertise for better-paying roles, which this earnings curve suggests. If they're willing to be strategic about their early career—seeking relevant internships, considering related fields like HR or social services—the combination of reasonable debt and steady growth creates a workable path forward.