Psychology at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University

Bloomfield College psychology graduates start slow but see remarkable growth, with earnings jumping 58% from $29,982 to $47,283 by year four. That trajectory matters because it suggests the degree opens doors to progressively better opportunities—whether through graduate school, credential-building, or career advancement in social services, HR, or related fields. While the first-year earnings sit at the state median (60th percentile among NJ psychology programs), they trail top programs like Rider by nearly $8,000 initially.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $31,000, it's higher than the state median but still manageable given the earnings growth. The debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 1.03 looks reasonable, and graduates should be able to cover payments as their salaries climb. With 69% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves first-generation and lower-income students who might otherwise skip college entirely—a context where modest starting salaries shouldn't overshadow the long-term earning potential.

For families weighing this program, the question is whether your child can weather that difficult first year. If they're willing to work multiple jobs, live at home, or pursue graduate training that unlocks higher-paying roles, the upward trajectory makes this a solid investment. But if immediate post-graduation earnings matter most, stronger-starting programs exist elsewhere in New Jersey.