Psychology at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,645/yr (63% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #222 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 25%

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 $565K $558K $511K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,088
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$161,716
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,400
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Bucknell University's Psychology program earn $51,645/yr in their first year — 63% above the $31,705 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $51,645/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Bucknell University ranks #222 among 926 Psychology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $51,645 to $61,400 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Bucknell University

Bucknell University admits 32% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 3,818 in Lewisburg, PA. The average net cost of $161,716 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bucknell 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 Bucknell 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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Bucknell University?
At 41/100, 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 Bucknell 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 Bucknell University one of the best schools for Psychology?
Among 926 Psychology programs, Bucknell University's #222 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 →