Psychology at Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,503/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #801 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 $456K $459K $439K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$126,744
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,124
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,600
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,256
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,503/yr, roughly in line with the $31,705 national median for Psychology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,600 debt-to-$31,503 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #801 out of 926 programs, Hardin-Simmons University's financial outcomes for Psychology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,503 to $40,256 shows 28% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons University accepts 97% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,275 in Abilene, TX. The average net cost of $84,124 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Hardin-Simmons 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 Hardin-Simmons University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hardin-Simmons University's Psychology program score?
This program scores 26/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →