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Psychology at Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,352/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

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

ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #236 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	$528K	$525K	$487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.9x	11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.6x	5.5x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,332

Out-of-state: $94,732 (5.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,092

-51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

9.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,522

56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,352/yr, roughly in line with the $31,705 national median for Psychology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $32,352/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Western Colorado University ranks #236 among 926 Psychology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $32,352-to-$50,522 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University accepts 97% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,653 students in Gunnison, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Colorado 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 Western Colorado 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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Western Colorado University?

At 40/100, 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 Western Colorado 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 Western Colorado University one of the best schools for Psychology?

Among 926 Psychology programs, Western Colorado University's #236 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 →