Psychology at South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,684/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 6.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #770 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 $452K $455K $436K
Earnings Multiple 6.2x 6.2x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$72,952
Median Debt at Graduation
$44,548
18.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,844
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

South University-Columbia's Psychology program produces graduates earning $28,684/yr — within striking distance of the $31,705 national average for this field.

At 6.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $44,548 debt load exceeds a year of the $28,684 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #770 out of 926 programs, South University-Columbia's financial outcomes for Psychology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,684 to $38,844 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About South University-Columbia

a smaller institution with 445 students in Columbia, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 58% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at South University-Columbia →

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 South University-Columbia

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does South University-Columbia's Psychology program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Psychology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do South University-Columbia Psychology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.6x 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →