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Psychology at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,057/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #148 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 25%

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	$543K	$538K	$496K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.4x	12.3x	11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	43	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,856

Out-of-state: $131,708 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,592

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,312

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,647

59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,057/yr, Psychology graduates from University of Iowa land near the $31,705 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.3x 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 $22,312 against $33,057/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Iowa ranks #148 among 926 Psychology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,057-to-$52,647 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Iowa

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Iowa prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 University of Iowa

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at University of Iowa?

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 University of Iowa?

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 University of Iowa one of the best schools for Psychology?

Among 926 Psychology programs, University of Iowa's #148 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 →