Research and Experimental Psychology at Albion College

Albion College graduates in Research and Experimental Psychology earn $23,906 in their first year—about $4,000 below Michigan's median for this program and nearly $11,000 below the national average. While these earnings might feel manageable for Michigan, they look particularly weak nationally, placing graduates in just the 5th percentile compared to peers from psychology programs across the country. The $27,000 in typical debt exceeds both state and national norms, creating a debt load that equals more than a full year's salary.

The concerning part isn't just the low starting point—it's that psychology degrees typically rely on students pursuing graduate education or building experience to reach higher earnings. Starting this far behind the curve means graduates face several years of financial pressure while trying to invest in their next steps. Compare this to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's psychology program, where graduates start at $31,568, providing nearly $8,000 more breathing room annually for the same graduate school plans.

For families considering this program, understand that you're paying above-average debt for below-average outcomes in a field where many students need additional credentials to reach professional-level salaries. If your child is set on psychology at a liberal arts college, this data suggests looking at schools where the debt-to-earnings math works better from day one.