Analysis
American International College's psychology program produces surprisingly strong earnings outcomes, particularly when measured against national standards. At $40,467 in first-year earnings, graduates are earning nearly 30% more than the national median for psychology majors and landing in the 95th percentile nationally. That's exceptional performance for a program at a school with near-open admission. The $27,000 median debt is actually lower than the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67βmeaning graduates owe less than eight months of their first-year salary.
The Massachusetts context tells a more nuanced story. While these graduates significantly outperform national psychology majors, they're closer to the middle of the pack within the state (60th percentile), where the median psychology graduate earns $36,873. Still, that's a solid position in a competitive higher education market. Graduates are earning only slightly less than those from much more selective schools like College of the Holy Cross, while taking on similar or less debt.
The main caveat is sample sizeβwith fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these figures could shift considerably with more data. But if these numbers hold, this represents a practical pathway for students who may not have access to highly selective colleges but still want decent post-graduation prospects in psychology. The combination of manageable debt and above-average earnings, particularly when compared nationally, suggests this program delivers tangible value for its predominantly Pell-eligible student body.
Where American International College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How American International 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| American International College | $40,467 | $45,920 | +13% |
| Boston College | $44,760 | $59,196 | +32% |
| Williams College | $43,943 | $57,158 | +30% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $41,099 | $56,085 | +36% |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $32,223 | $53,442 | +66% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (52 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,970 | $40,467 | $45,920 | $27,000 | 0.67 | |
| $58,150 | $62,218 | β | $25,494 | 0.41 | |
| $67,680 | $44,760 | $59,196 | $18,000 | 0.40 | |
| $64,860 | $43,943 | $57,158 | $13,416 | 0.31 | |
| $39,212 | $43,646 | $50,853 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $60,850 | $41,099 | $56,085 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $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 American International 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.
Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.