Analysis
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.
Where Western Illinois University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Western Illinois 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Illinois University | $30,471 | $39,411 | +29% |
| Northwestern University | $44,088 | $61,389 | +39% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $32,463 | $52,586 | +62% |
| Augustana College | $29,801 | $50,244 | +69% |
| Illinois State University | $32,104 | $49,195 | +53% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Illinois UniversityMacomb | $14,952 | $30,471 | $39,411 | $29,000 | 0.95 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $44,088 | $61,389 | $14,500 | 0.33 |
 St. Augustine CollegeChicago | $13,288 | $42,911 | — | $5,050 | 0.12 |
 Trinity International University-IllinoisDeerfield | $12,320 | $39,980 | — | $24,562 | 0.61 |
 The Chicago School at ChicagoChicago | $20,844 | $39,596 | — | $40,645 | 1.03 |
 National Louis UniversityChicago | $12,345 | $35,798 | — | $37,170 | 1.04 |
| 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 Western Illinois University, approximately 28% 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 84 graduates with reported earnings and 109 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.