Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,149
55th percentile (40th in PA)
Median Debt
$26,500
4% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.82
Manageable
Sample Size
31
Adequate data

Analysis

Albright's psychology graduates experience impressive earnings growth—jumping from $32,149 to $46,142 over four years—but the starting point matters. That initial salary lands below Pennsylvania's state median of $33,399, placing Albright in just the 40th percentile among the state's 83 psychology programs. For context, top performers like Bucknell and Gettysburg start their psychology grads near $50,000, while even mid-tier programs like King's College begin around $40,000.

The 44% earnings acceleration suggests graduates gain valuable skills or credentials post-graduation, but parents should understand what this trajectory means practically. Year one likely involves entry-level work while graduates pursue necessary graduate degrees or certifications—common in psychology fields. The $26,500 debt load is manageable relative to that difficult first year (0.82 ratio), but it becomes more comfortable only after several years of career development.

For families comfortable with a slower financial start in exchange for solid mid-term growth, Albright works—especially given its 86% admission rate and accessibility for Pell-eligible students. But if your child needs stronger immediate earnings, Pennsylvania offers stronger-performing psychology programs at similar price points. The key question: can your family support those lean early years while career momentum builds?

Where Albright College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Albright CollegeOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Albright College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Albright College graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (83 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Albright College$32,149$46,142$26,5000.82
Bucknell University$51,645$50,805$27,0000.52
Gettysburg College$50,040$50,611$27,0000.54
Lehigh University$40,942$60,072$21,1600.52
Drexel University$39,866$51,752$30,0000.75
King's College$39,818$33,268$27,0000.68
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Bucknell University
Lewisburg
$64,772$51,645$27,000
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg
$64,230$50,040$27,000
Lehigh University
Bethlehem
$62,180$40,942$21,160
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$39,866$30,000
King's College
Wilkes-Barre
$42,600$39,818$27,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Albright College, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.