Psychology at Cabrini University

The first-year earnings figure here—$25,683—ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for psychology programs and well below Pennsylvania's median of $33,399. While the program shows dramatic 80% earnings growth to $46,332 by year four, that initial year presents a difficult financial reality. With $27,000 in debt, graduates are carrying more than a full year's salary, and that first year likely means relying on parental support or additional work to make ends meet.

What's particularly striking is how Cabrini compares to other Pennsylvania options. Top-performing programs in the state like Bucknell and Gettysburg nearly double Cabrini's first-year outcomes, while even mid-tier options like Drexel start $14,000 higher. The good news is that Cabrini graduates eventually close much of this gap—that fourth-year salary is respectable. But the path there matters, especially for families without financial cushion to help bridge that difficult first year.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether you can afford to support your child through that initial low-earning period. If you're counting on immediate post-graduation income to help with loan payments or living expenses, this presents real challenges. If your student can live at home or you can provide financial support while they build experience, the eventual earnings trajectory becomes more manageable.