Research and Experimental Psychology at Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,376/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (203,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #20 of 84 Research and Experimental Psychology programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Research and Experimental Psychology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $519K $517K $482K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,912
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$122,812
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,750
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of Bates College's Research and Experimental Psychology program earn $47,376/yr in their first year — 35% above the $35,198 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $13,750 in median debt against $47,376 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #20 out of 84 programs, Bates College's Research and Experimental Psychology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

About Bates College

Bates College admits 13% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, a compact campus enrolling 1,753 students in Lewiston, ME. The average net cost of $122,812 over four years represents a 52% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bates College →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Research and Experimental Psychology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bates College's Research and Experimental Psychology program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Research and Experimental Psychology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Research and Experimental Psychology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Research and Experimental Psychology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Bates College rank so high for Research and Experimental Psychology?
The #20 ranking out of 84 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Research and Experimental Psychology at Bates College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $253,912, but the average net cost is $122,812 — a 52% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →