Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Albright College

Albright's psychology program shows some of the strongest early earnings in Pennsylvania—placing in the 95th percentile statewide and nationally—but the sample size here (fewer than 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing dramatically with the next cohort. That said, first-year earnings of $48,838 substantially outpace both the Pennsylvania median of $30,956 and the national benchmark of $34,506. The debt load of $39,762 sits above state and national medians, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 remains manageable given the stronger starting salaries.

The concerning element is the near-flat earnings trajectory: just 2% growth over four years suggests graduates may hit a ceiling quickly, likely because bachelor's-level psychology roles often max out without graduate credentials. Half of Albright students receive Pell grants, indicating the college serves economically diverse students who need these early earnings advantages to matter.

If your child is planning to enter the workforce immediately after graduation rather than pursue a master's or doctorate, these earnings represent solid entry points compared to other Pennsylvania programs. However, verify that future cohorts maintain this performance before banking on these numbers—and recognize that long-term advancement in psychology typically requires additional education. For students committed to stopping at a bachelor's degree, this program's strong initial placement gives it an edge, but career growth may require strategic moves beyond the typical bachelor's-level role.