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Psychology at Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,559/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)

ROI 2.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #672 of 926 Psychology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$437K	$442K	$426K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.7x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$160,760

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,284

54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$38,073

7% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Buena Vista University's Psychology graduates start at $35,559/yr — above the $31,705 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x 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 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,500 debt-to-$35,559 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #672 out of 926 programs, Buena Vista University's financial outcomes for Psychology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $35,559 to $38,073 over five years (7% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Buena Vista University

A 72% acceptance rate means Buena Vista University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,378 students in Storm Lake, IA. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $73,284 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Buena Vista University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr

Industrial-organizational psychologists $109,840/yr

View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Buena Vista University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Buena Vista University's Psychology program score?

This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Psychology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Psychology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Psychology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Psychology at Buena Vista University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $160,760, but the average net cost is $73,284 — a 54% 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 →