Psychology, General at Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,193/yr (-43% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #926 of 926 Psychology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Psychology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $536K $533K $492K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.1x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,584
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$156,736
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
15.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,093
137% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,193/yr fall 43% below the $31,705 national median for Psychology, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.1x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

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

The $18,193-to-$43,093 earnings arc over five years reflects a 137% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Oberlin College

Oberlin College admits 33% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 2,950 in Oberlin, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $156,736 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Oberlin 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, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Oberlin College

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 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology, General at Oberlin College?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Psychology, General degree from Oberlin College?
At $23,750 in median debt, graduates carry 16 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, General at Oberlin 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 Oberlin College a good choice for Psychology, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Oberlin 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 →