Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,462/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #430 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 50%

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 $570K $563K $514K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.7x 8.6x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,808
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,167
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,210
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Virginia Commonwealth University's Psychology program produces graduates earning $29,462/yr — within striking distance of the $31,705 national average for this field.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,167 against $29,462/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #430 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,462-to-$54,210 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

A 93% acceptance rate means Virginia Commonwealth University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 20,797 in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 36/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →