Psychology, General at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,678/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #881 of 926 Psychology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Psychology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $506K $505K $472K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,072
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,652
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,547
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,601
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,678/yr, Psychology, General graduates from Willamette University land near the $31,705 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Psychology, General's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,547 represents roughly 10 months of the $29,678 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #881 of 926 Psychology, General programs, Willamette University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $46,601 show a 57% jump from the $29,678 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Willamette University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Willamette University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,525 in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Willamette 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Psychology, General at Willamette University?
A score of 23/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Psychology, General. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Psychology, General careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $472,163 in decade earnings vs $506,422 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Willamette University a hidden gem for Psychology, General?
After financial aid, the average student pays $94,652 over four years — 51% below the $193,072 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →