Psychology at Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill's psychology associate's program outperforms 94% of similar programs nationally, with first-year earnings of $37,256—significantly above the typical $26,232 for psychology associate's graduates. That's impressive positioning, though it's worth noting this reflects a small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual outcomes can swing these numbers considerably.

The $9,500 in median debt translates to just three months of earnings, making this one of the more affordable paths into psychology-adjacent work. What's particularly promising is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 29% income growth by year four, reaching $48,088. Within Massachusetts, these graduates earn right at the state median for the program, meaning they're competitive with other local options without the price premium that often comes with Boston-area schools.

For families looking at psychology as a foundation—whether for transfer to a four-year program or entry into human services, counseling support roles, or healthcare administration—this represents solid value. The debt burden is manageable even on first-year earnings, and the income growth suggests graduates are advancing into better positions over time. Just remember that with a small sample size, your child's experience could vary more than it might at a larger program.