Compare 20 Social Psychology. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $37,619.
Social Psychology programs produce graduates earning between $23,906 and $65,966—a $42K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 20 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
The University of Chicago's Social Psychology program leads with graduates earning $65,966, significantly above the regional average of $37,619. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor follows at $51,924, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers $47,522—showing how program-specific factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Chicago graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 4.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, proving top programs can also be financially smart.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $65,966 | 78 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Manageable |
| #2 | $51,924 | 727 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | High | |
| #3 | $47,522 | 101 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | High | |
| #4 | $46,406 | 54 | $21,500 | Manageable | $15,803 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $43,070 | 219 | $19,500 | Manageable | $29,448 | High | |
| #6 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $39,369 | 18 | $15,000 | Manageable | $26,966 | High |
| #7 | Carleton CollegePrivate | $39,238 | 41 | $16,750 | Manageable | $31,271 | High |
| #8 | Macalester CollegePrivate | $38,027 | 30 | $23,000 | Challenging | $36,129 | High |
| #9 | $37,377 | 148 | $17,500 | Manageable | $24,585 | High | |
| #10 | Denison UniversityPrivate | $36,909 | 54 | $26,000 | Challenging | $45,521 | High |
| #11 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $36,257 | 80 | $21,250 | Challenging | $27,283 | High |
| #12 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $35,070 | 65 | $26,000 | High | $40,568 | High |
| #13 | $34,822 | 57 | $21,000 | Challenging | $14,000 | High | |
| #14 | $33,384 | 542 | $19,500 | Challenging | $34,511 | High | |
| #15 | $32,031 | 64 | $21,500 | High | $12,362 | High | |
| #16 | $31,129 | 293 | $19,509 | High | $32,850 | High | |
| #17 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | $28,507 | 24 | $17,500 | High | $36,324 | High |
| #18 | Creighton UniversityPrivate | $26,845 | 76 | $25,000 | High | $31,504 | High |
| #19 | $24,615 | 12 | $26,188 | High | $22,488 | High | |
| #20 | Albion CollegePrivate | $23,906 | 35 | $27,000 | High | $32,317 | High |
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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
