Psychology at Elon University

Elon, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,668/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #459 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 $580K $573K $521K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$178,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,192
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,985
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,668 at Elon University come in 16% above the national median of $31,705 for Psychology programs.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,500 debt-to-$36,668 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #459 out of 926 programs, Elon University's Psychology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $36,668 to $58,985 over five years (61% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Elon University

A 67% admission rate makes Elon University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 6,402 students in Elon, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Elon 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 Elon 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 Elon University's Psychology program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Psychology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →