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Psychology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,046/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.5x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #388 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 50%

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 $491K $491K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.5x 14.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.2x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,990
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,046/yr, Psychology graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt land near the $31,705 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 15.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 against $28,046/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #388 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $28,046-to-$43,990 earnings arc over five years reflects a 57% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

With 99% of applicants admitted, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,491 in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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

Compare this program → View all 926 schools offering Psychology →

Psychology at Other Schools

Bentley University ($62,218) Georgetown University ($51,959) Bucknell University ($51,645) Gettysburg College ($50,040) Trinity College ($48,406) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($48,299) The University of Texas Permian Basin ($46,009) Charter Oak State College ($45,428)

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($55,589) Forestry ($52,810) Plant Sciences ($44,038) Computer Science ($37,153) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($36,586) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($36,444) Political Science and Government ($36,079) Social Work ($35,693)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Psychology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →