Psychology at American University

American University psychology graduates face a rough first year—earning just $25,773, which lands in the bottom 5% nationally for the program—but the trajectory afterward is striking. Within four years, median earnings more than double to $56,267, vaulting these graduates well above both national and DC benchmarks. Among DC's eight psychology programs, this actually ranks in the 60th percentile, outpacing programs at Howard, Gallaudet, and Catholic University, though still trailing Georgetown's stronger outcomes.

The $23,799 debt load is manageable given the four-year earnings, but that first year creates real financial pressure. Graduates likely need parental support, roommates, or side income to weather the initial period—this isn't a program that leads to immediate financial independence. The dramatic earnings growth suggests graduates are either pursuing additional credentials, breaking into better career paths, or leveraging DC's job market more effectively over time.

For families who can afford to subsidize that difficult first year, the long-term numbers justify the investment. But if your student needs to be financially self-sufficient immediately after graduation, this program's delayed payoff makes it risky. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these patterns are reasonably reliable, not based on a handful of outliers.