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Psychology at University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,720/yr (-6% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

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

ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #612 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	$459K	$461K	$440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.9x	10.0x	9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.1x	4.9x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	31	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,332

Out-of-state: $90,180 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$54,900

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,094

9.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,125

35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,720/yr, Psychology graduates from University of South Carolina-Upstate land near the $31,705 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 10.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,094 against $29,720/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #612 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places University of South Carolina-Upstate in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 35% earnings increase from $29,720 to $40,125 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of South Carolina-Upstate

University of South Carolina-Upstate accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,008 in Spartanburg, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 45% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Upstate →

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 University of South Carolina-Upstate

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

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at University of South Carolina-Upstate?

At 31/100, 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →