Psychology at Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
41
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,080
47% growth from Year 1
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
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 →