Psychology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt's psychology program demonstrates why initial earnings shouldn't tell the whole story. While graduates start at just $28,046—well below both state and national medians—their earnings jump 38% by year four to reach $38,617. That four-year mark actually exceeds several private institutions in California and lands graduates near the top performers statewide. For a program with near-universal admission and serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, this trajectory suggests the degree builds real earning potential over time.

The debt picture deserves equal attention. At $16,200, borrowers here take on roughly $10,000 less than the national median for psychology programs, and about $5,300 less than California's average. That translates to significantly lower monthly payments during those early lean years when earnings are still climbing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is manageable, especially given the upward earnings trend.

The tradeoff is clear: expect a modest start financially, but with controlled debt and strong growth potential. For students committed to psychology and looking at CSU tuition rates, this program delivers better long-term value than its below-median starting salary might suggest. The substantial four-year earnings growth indicates graduates are finding their footing in the field, not stalling out at entry-level wages.