Psychology at William Carey University

William Carey's psychology program places graduates at a significant disadvantage compared to national standards, with first-year earnings of $21,799 landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. That means 95% of psychology programs nationwide produce better earning outcomes. The $32,693 in median debt amplifies this challenge—graduates owe 1.5 times what they'll earn in their first year, compared to the national program standard of roughly 0.8 times first-year earnings.

The Mississippi context offers little comfort. While this program ranks at the 40th percentile statewide—technically middle-of-the-pack—Mississippi's top public universities demonstrate what's possible even within the state: Ole Miss psychology grads earn $30,336 their first year, nearly 40% more. The $6,000+ earnings gap between William Carey and Mississippi State or Southern Miss makes a real difference when you're carrying over $32,000 in debt on a $22,000 salary.

The 19% earnings growth to $26,038 by year four helps but doesn't solve the fundamental problem. At that trajectory, graduates won't reach the national median first-year earnings ($31,482) until well into their careers. For families considering this program, the comparison to Mississippi's flagship universities is telling: similar in-state tuition costs, dramatically different outcomes. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend William Carey specifically, the state's public options offer substantially better value for psychology students.