Psychology at Allegheny College

Allegheny's psychology graduates earn $35,218 in their first year—placing them in the 79th percentile nationally but closer to the middle of the pack within Pennsylvania, where they're in the 60th percentile. That's a meaningful distinction: while they're doing well compared to psychology programs nationwide, Pennsylvania has several stronger alternatives. Bucknell and Gettysburg graduates earn nearly 50% more, and even mid-tier options like Drexel consistently produce higher outcomes. The $27,000 median debt is reasonable—matching the Pennsylvania median and below the national average—but given Allegheny's $70,000+ annual cost of attendance, the relatively modest earnings suggest many students may be taking on private debt or family resources beyond what federal loans show.

The positive story here is genuine earnings growth: the 26% increase from year one to year four demonstrates graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions. By year four, that $44,252 salary makes the debt manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.61. For families comfortable with Allegheny's price tag and committed to the liberal arts experience, these outcomes are defensible—graduates clearly develop skills that translate to career progression.

For families watching costs closely, though, Pennsylvania's public universities or higher-performing private options deserve serious consideration. Allegheny delivers solid results, but not exceptional ones given the investment required.