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Psychology at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,623/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

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

ROI 12.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #151 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	$525K	$522K	$484K
Earnings Multiple	13.0x	12.9x	12.0x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$40,468

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,940

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,250

5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,554

50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,623/yr, edging above the $31,705 national average for Psychology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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

At $16,250 in median debt against $33,623 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Saint Cloud State University ranks #151 among 926 Psychology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,623-to-$50,554 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,181 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State 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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Saint Cloud State University?

At 43/100, 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 Saint Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University one of the best schools for Psychology?

Among 926 Psychology programs, Saint Cloud State University's #151 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 →