Behavioral Sciences at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,206/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (36% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 18 Behavioral Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Behavioral Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $518K $516K $484K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.1x 11.0x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,800
Out-of-state: $117,648 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,460
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,600
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,529
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,206/yr, edging above the $34,439 national average for Behavioral Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.0x 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 Behavioral Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,600 against $36,206/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Kansas ranks #2 among 18 Behavioral Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 40% earnings increase from $36,206 to $50,529 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Kansas

University of Kansas has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

Top Career Paths

Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Life scientists, all other $87,800/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Behavioral Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Kansas

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Behavioral Sciences at University of Kansas?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Behavioral Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Behavioral Sciences at University of Kansas?
The 36% 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 Kansas one of the best schools for Behavioral Sciences?
Among 18 Behavioral Sciences programs, University of Kansas's #2 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 →