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Psychology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,733/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

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

ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #166 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	$591K	$583K	$529K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.6x	9.4x	8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.0x	4.0x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	43	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,912

Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$95,160

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,977

75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,733/yr, edging above the $31,705 national average for Psychology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $33,733/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ranks #166 among 926 Psychology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,733-to-$58,977 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

With a 57% acceptance rate, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 30,435 students in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University one of the best schools for Psychology?

Among 926 Psychology programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's #166 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 →