Behavioral Sciences
Salary data, best schools, and honest ROI assessment
Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)
Best Schools for Behavioral Sciences by Earnings
| # | School | 4yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Kansas KS · Public | $58,883 |
| 2 | Northern Michigan University MI · Public | $57,325 |
| 3 | George Fox University OR · Private | $56,440 |
| 4 | University of California-Santa Cruz CA · Public | $54,606 |
| 5 | University of Houston-Clear Lake TX · Public | $51,151 |
| 6 | York College of Pennsylvania PA · Private | $50,634 |
| 7 | Wilmington University DE · Private | $50,081 |
| 8 | California Baptist University CA · Private | $48,922 |
| 9 | University of Phoenix-Arizona AZ · Private | $48,657 |
| 10 | Concordia University-Nebraska NE · Private | $48,215 |
| 11 | Life Pacific University CA · Private | $47,612 |
| 12 | Saint Francis University PA · Private | $47,316 |
| 13 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay WI · Public | $46,125 |
| 14 | Concordia University-Irvine CA · Private | $46,098 |
| 15 | Ashford University CA · Private | $45,157 |
| 16 | Mid-America Christian University OK · Private | $44,719 |
| 17 | Missouri Baptist University MO · Private | $44,069 |
| 18 | Columbia College SC · Private | $39,738 |
| 19 | Purdue University Northwest IN · Public | $37,956 |
| 20 | Rowan University NJ · Public | $35,817 |
Is Behavioral Sciences Worth It?
Proceed With a Plan
The financial returns for Behavioral Sciences are below average. At $37,733 in average earnings four years out, graduates often face a long payback period, especially at higher-cost institutions. This doesn't mean the field is worthless - it means the financial math demands careful attention to school cost and debt levels.
This is a more specialized field, offered at 22 schools in our dataset. Fewer options means less room to optimize on cost, so pay close attention to the financial aid packages you receive.
The top school for this major by earnings is Northern Michigan University, where graduates earn $57,325 four years out. But averages hide a wide range - where you attend and what you do with the degree matter as much as the major itself.
Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.