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Psychology at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,155/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

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

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #147 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 25%

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	$520K	$518K	$481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.4x	12.3x	11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.7x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	43	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,988

Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,660

-73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,000

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,080

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,155/yr, edging above the $31,705 national average for Psychology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,000 against $34,155/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Iowa State University ranks #147 among 926 Psychology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 47% earnings increase from $34,155 to $50,080 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State 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 Iowa State 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

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Iowa State University?

At 43/100, 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 Iowa State University?

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.

Is Iowa State University one of the best schools for Psychology?

Among 926 Psychology programs, Iowa State University's #147 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →