Psychology at Virginia Union University

Richmond, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,626/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 7.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #867 of 926 Psychology, General programs

Program Analysis

A general psychology degree from Virginia Union provides a foundational understanding of human behavior, highly valued in many fields. However, without further specialization or advanced degrees, graduates often enter roles in human services, community outreach, or administrative support, especially within the Richmond area's non-profit and public sector landscape. These positions, while incredibly impactful, typically don't command high starting salaries. Your career trajectory will largely depend on how you build upon this foundation. To improve your financial outlook, proactively seek internships that align with specific career interests and explore minors or certifications in areas like data analytics, human resources, or social work. Many higher-earning psychology careers, such as licensed therapists or organizational psychologists, necessitate graduate-level education, so plan accordingly if those paths appeal to you.

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 $452K $455K $436K
Earnings Multiple 7.6x 7.7x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,320
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,236
68% growth from Year 1

About Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University accepts 98% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,153 students in Richmond, VA. Pell Grant recipients make up 51% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Union University →

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 Virginia Union 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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Virginia Union University?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Psychology degree from Virginia Union University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at Virginia Union 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 Union University a good choice for Psychology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia Union University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →