Psychology at William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,799/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 7.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #854 of 926 Psychology, General programs

Program Analysis

The data for William Carey's General Psychology program underscores the unique dynamics of this particular degree and regional labor market. While a psychology background can open many doors, initial roles for a bachelor's degree in the Hattiesburg area, such as behavioral health support or social service assistant, often reflect a lower cost of living and corresponding salary expectations compared to national averages. This degree typically serves as a foundational step, not an immediate pipeline to the high-earning positions often requiring advanced degrees like a Master's or Ph.D., which you see listed as potential career paths. To maximize your earning potential, you'll need to proactively plan for graduate studies or secure internships that build practical, in-demand skills in areas like data analysis, human resources, or specific therapeutic techniques, rather than relying solely on the general degree.

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 $437K $442K $426K
Earnings Multiple 7.4x 7.5x 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)
$58,740
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,208
-16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,166
14.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,413
58% growth from Year 1

About William Carey University

William Carey University's 58% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,818 students in Hattiesburg, MS.

See all programs and financial aid at William Carey 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 William Carey 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

How does William Carey University's Psychology program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Psychology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do William Carey University Psychology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Psychology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Psychology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Psychology earnings lower at William Carey University?
Lower starting pay at William Carey University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →