Program Analysis
Graduates earn $38,115/yr, edging above the $31,705 national average for Psychology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
The financial case is thin at 2.4x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Psychology's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $23,250 represents roughly 7 months of the $38,115 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #502 of 926 Psychology programs, Southern Methodist University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $64,774 show a 70% jump from the $38,115 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.