Psychology at Bucknell University

Bucknell's psychology graduates earn roughly 50% more than typical psychology majors nationwide, ranking at the 95th percentile both nationally and among Pennsylvania's 83 programs. At $51,645 in first-year earnings, they're outpacing even Gettysburg College graduates by about $1,600. The $27,000 median debt—equal to Pennsylvania's median—creates a favorable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe just over half their starting salary.

The concerning detail is that earnings essentially flatline between year one and year four, dipping slightly to $50,805. While this plateau happens across many liberal arts fields, the pattern raises questions about career trajectory for these particular graduates. However, this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers may not reflect the typical experience. The small sample could be capturing an unusually strong or weak cohort rather than the program's true performance.

For families weighing Bucknell's private school tuition against outcomes, the psychology program delivers earnings that justify selective admission standards and compete with peer institutions. The debt load is manageable relative to what graduates earn immediately. Just remember that with limited data, individual results will vary more than usual—but the program's starting salary advantage over typical psychology degrees is substantial enough to provide meaningful cushion even if your student's experience differs from these medians.