Psychology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,733/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (49% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI
9.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
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 | $591K | $583K | $529K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.6x | 9.4x | 8.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.0x | 4.0x | 3.6x |
| 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)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,977
75% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
With a 57% acceptance rate, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 30,435 students in Blacksburg, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other
$117,580/yr
Industrial-organizational psychologists
$109,840/yr
Compare & Explore
Psychology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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.
Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University one of the best schools for Psychology?
Among 926 Psychology programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's #166 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 →