Psychology at College of Our Lady of the Elms

In Massachusetts, psychology programs span from elite liberal arts colleges producing first-year earnings above $40,000 to more modest outcomes in the low $30,000s. The College of Our Lady of the Elms falls squarely in the middle based on peer programs—its estimated $36,873 first-year earnings matches the state median exactly, suggesting typical Massachusetts outcomes for psychology graduates. By year four, actual reported earnings of $40,646 show steady progression, though the program remains well behind the state's top performers like Bentley ($62,218) or Boston College ($44,760).

The $27,000 debt load sits at the 25th percentile nationally—meaning three-quarters of psychology programs nationwide leave students with more debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73, graduates would need roughly nine months of gross income to cover their loans, a manageable proposition if they secure employment quickly. The institution serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (42%), which adds context to both the accessible admission rate and the relatively contained debt levels.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether middle-of-the-pack psychology outcomes justify the private school price tag. The debt is reasonable, and earnings track with state averages for the field, but there's no premium here—you're paying for a psychology degree that performs like other Massachusetts psychology degrees. If your child thrives in smaller settings and needs the support structure Elms provides, the numbers work. If they're chasing higher earnings potential in psychology, they'll need graduate school or a different undergraduate institution entirely.