Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $25,773/yr fall 19% below the $31,705 national median for Psychology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $23,500 debt-to-$25,773 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #844 out of 926 programs, American University's financial outcomes for Psychology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $25,773 to $62,657 over five years (143% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.