Psychology at Whitworth University

Whitworth's psychology graduates start below the poverty line at $29,005—nearly $5,000 below Washington's state median and trailing 11 of the state's 18 psychology programs. The good news is that earnings climb 49% by year four, reaching $43,243, but this strong growth reflects recovery from an unusually weak starting point rather than exceptional long-term outcomes. With $25,062 in debt, graduates face nearly a full year's starting salary in repayment obligations.

The program sits in the 40th percentile among Washington psychology programs, meaning more than half offer better early-career outcomes. You're looking at a significant gap versus state flagship options—University of Washington graduates earn $34,660 right out of school, while Seattle Pacific psychology majors start at $40,264. Even Central Washington, a less selective public university, delivers $36,964 in first-year earnings.

For families paying Whitworth's private school tuition, these numbers create a challenging return-on-investment story. That initial $29,005 salary makes loan repayment difficult, and while the year-four rebound is encouraging, it doesn't close the gap with stronger Washington programs. Unless Whitworth offers substantial financial aid that dramatically reduces debt below that $25,062 median, Washington families should seriously consider the state's public universities for psychology—they deliver stronger starting salaries at lower cost.