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Psychology at Elmira College

Elmira, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,698/yr (-25% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)

ROI 3.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #859 of 926 Psychology, General programs

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	$601K	$592K	$535K
Earnings Multiple	4.0x	3.9x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	24	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$151,728

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,940

37% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

13.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,710

127% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Elmira College's Psychology graduates start at $23,698/yr, trailing the $31,705 national average by 25%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #859 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places Elmira College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,698-to-$53,710 earnings arc over five years reflects a 127% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Elmira College

A 91% acceptance rate means Elmira College is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 583 students in Elmira, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $94,940 over four years — 37% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Elmira College →

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 Elmira College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Elmira College?

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 Elmira College?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 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 Elmira College?

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 Elmira College a good choice for Psychology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Elmira College'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 →