Psychology at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

An associate's in Psychology from CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College leaves graduates earning just $18,867 one year out—$8,000 below the New York state median for this program and $7,300 below the national average. That places it in the bottom 5% of Psychology associate programs nationwide. Even within New York's community colleges, where graduates from Rockland CC earn more than double at $38,571, this program significantly underperforms. The 40th percentile ranking among New York programs is misleading: it's still well below what typical graduates in this state achieve.

The low debt load of $6,416 is the program's saving grace, making it manageable to repay even on these modest earnings. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many are attending affordably. But near-poverty wages one year after graduation raise serious questions about whether this two-year degree provides a meaningful economic foothold. These earnings likely reflect graduates working part-time retail or service jobs unrelated to their studies.

For families considering this path, understand that an associate's in Psychology typically functions as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. If your child plans to transfer to a four-year program, this could work as an affordable start. But if they're expecting this degree alone to support them financially, the data suggests they'll struggle—at least in the short term.