Psychology at Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College's Psychology associate program shows graduates earning $31,905 in their first year—roughly $3,900 above Pennsylvania's median and $5,700 above the national average for this degree. Among Pennsylvania's 20 community colleges offering this program, that places graduates around the 60th percentile. The debt burden of $8,782 is notably lower than both the state median ($13,976) and national median ($11,198), creating a relatively manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28. For families concerned about community college affordability, these numbers initially look solid.

However, the earnings trajectory raises questions: by year four, median earnings drop to $24,435—a 23% decline that's unusual even for associate degrees. This could reflect graduates transferring to four-year programs and working reduced hours, or it might indicate challenges in the local job market for associate-level psychology positions. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly with just a few data points, making it harder to predict typical outcomes.

For a parent weighing this investment, the low debt load is the clearest advantage. If your child plans to transfer to a bachelor's program—which most psychology students ultimately need for career advancement—this provides an affordable entry point. As a terminal degree for immediate employment, the declining earnings pattern suggests limited long-term prospects without additional credentials.