Psychology at Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,073
7% growth from Year 1
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
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 →