Psychology at Reed College

Portland, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,634/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #650 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 $432K $437K $423K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.6x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$268,080
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$159,804
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,594
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$38,334
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Reed College's Psychology program produces graduates earning $32,634/yr — within striking distance of the $31,705 national average for this field.

At 1.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,594 against $32,634/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #650 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places Reed College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Reed College

Admission to Reed College is competitive, with 27% of applicants accepted, a smaller institution with 1,407 students in Portland, OR. The average net cost of $159,804 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Reed College →

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 Reed College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Reed College?
At 30/100, 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 Reed College?
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 →