Psychology at Naropa University

Boulder, CO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,708/yr (-44% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #925 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 $453K $457K $437K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$138,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$115,448
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
17.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,309
94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $17,708 place Naropa University below the $31,705 national median for Psychology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.3x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,500 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,708 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #925 out of 926 programs, Naropa University's financial outcomes for Psychology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $17,708 to $34,309 over five years (94% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Naropa University

Naropa University accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 368 in Boulder, CO. With 57% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Naropa 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

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

How does Naropa University's Psychology program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Psychology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Naropa University Psychology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.4x 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 Naropa University?
Lower starting pay at Naropa 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 →