Analysis
Massachusetts psychology programs show dramatic variation in early outcomes, with top performers like Bentley producing $62,000 earners while the state median hovers around $37,000. Anna Maria's psychology bachelor's likely falls near this middle tier—comparable programs in Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $36,873, which edges above the national median of $31,482 but trails stronger regional competitors by $5,000-$25,000.
The estimated debt load of $27,000 creates a manageable but not impressive financial picture. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73, graduates from similar programs would owe roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary—workable if employment comes quickly, but psychology bachelor's degrees often require additional credentials for career advancement. The 34% Pell Grant population suggests Anna Maria serves students who may have limited financial cushion if job placement takes time or graduate school becomes necessary.
For families evaluating this investment, the key question is career trajectory. If your child plans to stop at a bachelor's degree and enter the workforce immediately, peer programs suggest Anna Maria would produce roughly average outcomes for Massachusetts—adequate but unremarkable. If graduate school is likely (common in psychology), factor in additional years and debt. At Anna Maria's 90% admission rate, selectivity isn't creating competitive advantage in the job market, so success will depend heavily on individual initiative in securing internships and building practical experience during undergrad years.
Where Anna Maria College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,064 | $36,873* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $58,150 | $62,218* | — | $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 | — | $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 Anna Maria College, approximately 34% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 33 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.