Research and Experimental Psychology at Brandeis University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Brandeis's Research and Experimental Psychology program carries moderate debt with below-average earnings for Massachusetts, a red flag given the state's strong higher education market. At $37,494 first-year, graduates earn less than the Massachusetts median ($38,463) for this field and trail peers at comparable selective schools by significant margins—Amherst grads earn $45,786, Harvard $41,501. The 40th percentile state ranking matters here because Bay State students likely have multiple options, many delivering better financial outcomes.
The debt load of $26,787 is actually quite reasonable—ranking in just the 8th percentile nationally means 92% of psychology programs leave students with more debt. The resulting 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its own. However, the real concern is earning potential: starting nearly $8,000 below Smith College grads or $19,000 below Tufts suggests this program may not be maximizing Brandeis's strong academic reputation in the job market.
For families paying private school tuition at a selective university, these earnings need scrutiny. The program performs decently against national psychology programs but underdelivers within Massachusetts's competitive landscape. If your child is Massachusetts-based with multiple admission offers, compare financial aid packages carefully—several peer institutions are producing substantially better early-career outcomes in this same field.
Where Brandeis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all research and experimental psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Brandeis University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Brandeis University graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all research and experimental psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Research and Experimental Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University | $37,494 | — | $26,787 | 0.71 |
| Tufts University | $56,504 | — | $15,875 | 0.28 |
| Amherst College | $45,786 | — | $10,800 | 0.24 |
| Smith College | $43,717 | $46,833 | $19,000 | 0.43 |
| Harvard University | $41,501 | $76,453 | — | — |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $38,463 | $57,605 | $26,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $34,768 | — | $21,500 | 0.62 |
Other Research and Experimental Psychology Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts University Medford | $67,844 | $56,504 | $15,875 |
| Amherst College Amherst | $67,280 | $45,786 | $10,800 |
| Smith College Northampton | $61,568 | $43,717 | $19,000 |
| Harvard University Cambridge | $59,076 | $41,501 | — |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston | — | $38,463 | $26,000 |
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 Brandeis University, approximately 14% 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 67 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.