Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Clayton State University

Clayton State's psychology program starts graduates well below the national median at $27,532, but the trajectory tells a more encouraging story. Earnings jump 43% to nearly $40,000 by year four—putting graduates ahead of 60% of comparable Georgia programs. In a state where the median psychology bachelor's holder earns just $24,426, Clayton State significantly outperforms local alternatives, even if it trails the national average.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $35,448, graduates carry more than a year's starting salary in loans, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.29. That's higher than ideal, though the strong earnings growth helps graduates manage this burden more comfortably by year four. The program serves a predominantly Pell Grant population (52%), and for these students, the upward earnings mobility may justify the initial financial strain—particularly compared to other accessible Georgia options.

For parents evaluating Clayton State against in-state alternatives, this program delivers better long-term outcomes than most competitors. The question is whether your family can weather the first few years when earnings are tightest. If your student has limited higher-earning options or plans to remain in Georgia, the combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings growth makes this a defensible choice. However, families able to access programs with stronger first-year placement might find an easier financial path elsewhere.