Compare 969 Psychology, General. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $48,626. Top programs: $99,007+.
The highest-earning Psychology, General. program isn't at the most prestigious school. With an $82K earnings gap across 969 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. The average graduate earns $49K — but where you study psychology matters far more than whether the school has a famous name.
Georgetown University's Psychology program leads with graduates earning $99K — nearly double the field average of $49K. Washington University in St. Louis follows at $92K, and Carnegie Mellon's program delivers $82K. These aren't predictable brand-name results: Virginia Military Institute — a public school accepting 71% of applicants — produces graduates earning $75K, well above the national average.
High earnings don't tell the whole story — debt burden matters. Georgetown graduates borrow $15,500 in student loans and face just a 2.8% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families weighing parent loans, Washington University in St. Louis leads with a 9.1% combined burden, rated 'Good' — meaning total family debt stays manageable relative to what graduates actually earn. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $99,007
Strong outcomes ($75,059) with 71% acceptance rate
2.8% payment burden | Excellent
9.1% family burden | Good
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
