Psychology at Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,282/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #93 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 10%

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 $560K $555K $508K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.2x 16.0x 14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.3x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 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)
$34,568
Out-of-state: $76,328 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,564
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,449
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,041
73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,282/yr, roughly in line with the $31,705 national median for Psychology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 16.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,449 against $31,282/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #93 of 926 programs, this Psychology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $31,282-to-$54,041 earnings arc over five years reflects a 73% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Shepherd University

Shepherd University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,375 students in Shepherdstown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Shepherd 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Shepherd University?
At 45/100, 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 Shepherd 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →