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%

Program Analysis

Your bachelor's in Behavioral Sciences from KU equips you with a robust analytical toolkit, grounded in a respected public university setting. The program's strength in research and critical thinking likely contributes to graduates earning above the national average for this field, as many find roles applying these skills in diverse sectors like human resources, market research, or social services across the Kansas City metro and beyond. While many top-earning career paths like becoming a licensed psychologist or postsecondary teacher require graduate-level study, your initial earnings reflect the strong foundational skills you develop. Keep in mind that as AI advances, it will augment or automate some data-heavy or administrative tasks in this field. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out internships that apply your behavioral insights to data analysis, user experience, or program evaluation, giving you a tangible edge in the evolving job market.

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

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 →