Research and Experimental Psychology at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,172/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (203,900 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 of 84 Research and Experimental Psychology programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Research and Experimental Psychology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $525K $523K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 13.1x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.5x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,780
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,575
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,172/yr, roughly in line with the $35,198 national median for Research and Experimental Psychology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.1x 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 Research and Experimental Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,500 against $31,172/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #33 ranking among 84 Research and Experimental Psychology programs places Purdue University-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,172-to-$49,575 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Purdue University-Main Campus

A 50% admission rate makes Purdue University-Main Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 39,637 students enrolled in West Lafayette, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Research and Experimental Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Purdue University-Main Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Research and Experimental Psychology at Purdue University-Main Campus?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Research and Experimental Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Research and Experimental Psychology at Purdue University-Main Campus?
The 44% 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 →