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
Earnings Distribution
How Albright College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albright College | $32,149 | $46,142 | +44% |
| Dickinson College | $37,227 | $62,695 | +68% |
| Lafayette College | $36,235 | $60,657 | +67% |
| Lehigh University | $40,942 | $60,072 | +47% |
| Villanova University | $35,462 | $57,566 | +62% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (83 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,794 | $32,149 | $46,142 | $26,500 | 0.82 | |
| $64,772 | $51,645 | $50,805 | $27,000 | 0.52 | |
| $64,230 | $50,040 | $50,611 | $27,000 | 0.54 | |
| $62,180 | $40,942 | $60,072 | $21,160 | 0.52 | |
| $60,663 | $39,866 | $51,752 | $30,000 | 0.75 | |
| $42,600 | $39,818 | $33,268 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.