Analysis
A debt load of $27,000 against first-year earnings around $40,000 creates manageable payments for psychology bachelor's graduates—but context matters here. Bay Path serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (66%), and these estimated figures, drawn from comparable Massachusetts psychology programs, suggest monthly loan payments of roughly $300, consuming about 9% of take-home pay. That's workable, though not comfortable on an entry-level salary.
The earnings estimate sits right at Massachusetts' median for this field and actually exceeds the national benchmark by $5,400. Psychology bachelor's programs across the state cluster tightly in the high $30,000s to low $40,000s, with Bay Path's estimated outcomes landing squarely in that range. The debt burden matches both state and national medians exactly, indicating this program's estimated financial profile looks typical rather than exceptional or concerning.
For families banking on this degree leading directly to clinical work, remember that most counseling and therapy positions require graduate credentials. This bachelor's serves as a stepping stone, and the relatively modest debt leaves room for further education without crushing financial pressure. If your student plans to work in the field immediately—in case management, behavioral health support, or social services—these peer-program earnings suggest they can manage the estimated debt load, though building savings or pursuing advanced degrees will require careful budgeting.
Where Bay Path University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical, counseling and applied psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,227 | $39,963* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $67,680 | $42,384* | $58,439 | $17,361* | 0.41 | |
| $46,686 | $41,522* | $53,449 | $27,000* | 0.65 | |
| $32,780 | $38,404* | $43,650 | $26,000* | 0.68 | |
| $67,844 | $35,806* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $34,506* | — | $27,000* | 0.78 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with clinical, counseling and applied psychology graduates
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Management Analysts
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
School Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Human Resources Specialists
Training and Development Specialists
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 Bay Path University, approximately 66% 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 4 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.