Psychology at California State University-Channel Islands

Cal State Channel Islands' psychology program stands out for delivering solid earnings with exceptionally manageable debt—a rare combination in today's higher education landscape. With median debt of just $15,000 compared to the national average of $25,500 for psychology programs, graduates here carry roughly 40% less debt than their peers nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means students can realistically pay off their loans in about six months of full-time work.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: starting salaries of $32,706 grow to $43,425 by year four, representing 33% growth that outpaces typical psychology programs. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile both nationally and within California—solidly above average but not elite—this performance becomes more impressive when considering the low debt burden. Among California's psychology programs, graduates here earn slightly more than the state median of $30,614 while carrying significantly less debt than the California average of $21,500.

For families prioritizing financial stability over prestige, this program offers genuine value. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates breathing room for graduates to pursue graduate school, internships, or entry-level positions without crushing financial pressure—a critical advantage in psychology, where many career paths require additional education or experience-building roles.