Psychology at Wright State University-Lake Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Wright State-Lake Campus's psychology program outperforms most Ohio schools despite its regional campus setting—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with fourth-year earnings of $39,056. That's roughly $8,000 above the typical Ohio psychology graduate and nearly matches earnings at more prestigious in-state institutions. The modest $27,700 debt load keeps the program accessible, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 that beats the national psychology median.
The 22% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are building careers rather than cycling through low-wage jobs, an important signal for a field often criticized for limited bachelor's-level opportunities. While first-year earnings of $32,105 won't impress anyone, they're actually slightly above the national psychology median. For a regional campus serving a smaller Ohio community, these outcomes indicate solid career preparation and regional employer connections.
For Ohio families considering psychology degrees, this program delivers better-than-average results at below-average cost. Your child won't match the earning power of Kenyon graduates, but they'll avoid the debt and competition that often comes with more selective programs while still outearning the typical Ohio psychology major.
Where Wright State University-Lake Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Wright State University-Lake Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wright State University-Lake Campus graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State University-Lake Campus | $32,105 | $39,056 | $27,700 | 0.86 |
| Kenyon College | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 |
| Muskingum University | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 |
| John Carroll University | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 |
| Miami University-Middletown | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyon College Gambier | $69,330 | $39,203 | $19,000 |
| Muskingum University New Concord | $31,440 | $37,636 | $27,625 |
| John Carroll University University Heights | $49,100 | $36,602 | $27,000 |
| Miami University-Hamilton Hamilton | $7,278 | $36,190 | $24,094 |
| Miami University-Middletown Middletown | $7,278 | $36,190 | $24,094 |
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 Wright State University-Lake Campus, 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 165 graduates with reported earnings and 250 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.