Psychology at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,484/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #407 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 50%

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 $484K $484K $457K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.0x 16.1x 15.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.9x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,164
Out-of-state: $98,148 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,948
-119% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,294
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,768
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $27,484 track close to the $31,705 national median for Psychology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 16.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,294 against $27,484/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #407 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places Appalachian State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $27,484-to-$42,768 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 19,304 in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State 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 Appalachian 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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Appalachian State University?
At 36/100, 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 Appalachian 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →