Psychology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,804/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #65 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

Your UNC Chapel Hill psychology degree offers a robust foundation in understanding human behavior, critical thinking, and research methods—skills highly valued across many sectors. However, unlike more vocational majors, a general psychology degree often serves as a stepping stone. The initial compensation reflects this broad applicability, as many graduates leverage their analytical and interpersonal skills in fields like human resources, marketing, or social services, where entry-level salaries can be moderate. To reach the higher earning potentials seen in specialized psychology roles or senior management, further education—often a Master's or Ph.D.—is typically required, channeling you into fields like clinical practice, industrial-organizational psychology, or advanced research. The high AI risk indicated points to the potential automation of general data analysis or administrative tasks common in early-career roles, emphasizing the importance of developing niche expertise. Leverage UNC's strong academic reputation and alumni network to explore internships or research opportunities that align with specific career interests early on, giving you a distinct advantage in a competitive landscape.

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 $578K $571K $520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.1x 15.9x 14.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,956
Out-of-state: $157,320 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,932
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,999
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,424
77% growth from Year 1

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Admission to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is competitive, with 19% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 20,556 in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
At 46/100, 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
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 →