Psychologyat San Francisco State University
Graduates earn $34,803/yr in their first year — about 10.0% above the national Psychology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $589K; scenarios range from $533K to $598K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at SF State
The strong performance of SF State's Psychology program is deeply tied to the unique labor market dynamics of the San Francisco Bay Area. Your undergraduate psychology foundation here is highly valued, translating into diverse opportunities beyond traditional clinical paths. Local employers, including numerous tech companies, healthcare providers, and non-profits, actively seek graduates skilled in critical thinking, data interpretation, and understanding human behavior for roles in human resources, user experience research, project coordination, and social services. The robust local economy and extensive professional networks mean abundant opportunities for internships and early career growth. To truly leverage this degree and mitigate the general AI risk, actively seek out internships that align with your specific career interests and consider supplementing your studies with practical skills in areas like data analysis or research methods to build a specialized, in-demand profile.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to SF State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Psychology
How SF State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at SF State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at SF State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Psychology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Psychology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Psychology at SF State
What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at San Francisco State University?
At 53/100, San Francisco State University's Psychology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at San Francisco 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 San Francisco State University one of the best schools for Psychology?
Among 926 Psychology programs, San Francisco State University's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.