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
Earnings Distribution
How Connecticut College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut College | $40,141 | $53,436 | +33% |
| Fairfield University | $39,890 | $61,555 | +54% |
| Sacred Heart University | $29,166 | $52,667 | +81% |
| University of Connecticut | $33,521 | $51,468 | +54% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $33,521 | $51,468 | +54% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,812 | $40,141 | $53,436 | $24,197 | 0.60 | |
| $67,420 | $48,406 | — | $22,944 | 0.47 | |
| $8,506 | $45,428 | — | $22,779 | 0.50 | |
| $56,360 | $39,890 | $61,555 | $26,000 | 0.65 | |
| $12,828 | $35,716 | $41,899 | $23,000 | 0.64 | |
| $39,924 | $34,725 | $42,352 | $35,937 | 1.03 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.