Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,141
95th percentile (60th in CT)
Median Debt
$24,197
5% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.60
Manageable
Sample Size
30
Adequate data

Analysis

Connecticut College psychology graduates earn significantly more than the national median—95th percentile nationally—but the state comparison reveals a more nuanced reality. Within Connecticut, this program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Trinity College and Charter Oak State College by substantial margins. For a selective liberal arts institution (38% admission rate, 1412 average SAT), these outcomes land solidly in the middle of the state's psychology programs.

The financial picture is actually quite manageable. With $24,197 in typical debt and first-year earnings above $40,000, graduates can handle their loans without strain. More importantly, earnings grow 33% over four years to $53,436, suggesting psychology majors here develop skills that gain value in the job market. This growth trajectory outpaces what you'll see at many psychology programs nationwide.

The key question is whether Connecticut College's premium tuition (reflected in the higher-than-average debt) delivers sufficient value compared to state alternatives. If your child is choosing between this and UConn or Southern Connecticut State, the earnings difference may not justify the cost gap. But compared to the typical psychology program nationally, Connecticut College clearly provides stronger career preparation—just not necessarily the strongest in Connecticut.

Where Connecticut College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Connecticut CollegeOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Connecticut College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Connecticut College graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Connecticut College$40,141$53,436$24,1970.60
Trinity College$48,406—$22,9440.47
Charter Oak State College$45,428—$22,7790.50
Fairfield University$39,890$61,555$26,0000.65
Southern Connecticut State University$35,716$41,899$23,0000.64
Albertus Magnus College$34,725$42,352$35,9371.03
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Connecticut

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Trinity College
Hartford
$67,420$48,406$22,944
Charter Oak State College
New Britain
$8,506$45,428$22,779
Fairfield University
Fairfield
$56,360$39,890$26,000
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven
$12,828$35,716$23,000
Albertus Magnus College
New Haven
$39,924$34,725$35,937

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Connecticut College, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.