Psychology at Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,658/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #671 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 $572K $566K $516K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$175,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,936
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,639
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,658/yr, roughly in line with the $31,705 national median for Psychology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $21,500 against $31,658/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #671 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places Wheaton College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,658-to-$55,639 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Wheaton College

Wheaton College accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,087 in Wheaton, IL. The average net cost of $107,936 over four years represents a 39% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Wheaton College →

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 Wheaton College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Wheaton College?
At 29/100, 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 Wheaton College?
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 →