Psychology at CUNY LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia's psychology associate's program starts graduates around $24,000—below the national median but actually above most New York competitors (60th percentile statewide). The real story here is trajectory: earnings jump 38% by year four to $33,145, eventually surpassing the national average. With debt under $8,300—well below both national and state medians—graduates have reasonable breathing room to either transfer to a four-year program or enter the workforce immediately.

That modest debt matters enormously for a program serving a 40% Pell-eligible population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates can manage payments while continuing their education or building work experience. Psychology associate's degrees rarely lead to high-paying jobs straight out, but LaGuardia's version positions students for steady income growth without the crushing debt load that could derail future plans.

The comparison with Rockland Community College's $38,571 median is misleading—community college earnings vary wildly based on local job markets and whether graduates immediately transfer. LaGuardia graduates who stay in the workforce see solid progression, and those who continue to bachelor's programs do so with minimal debt. For families planning a four-year degree path through the CUNY system, this represents a cost-effective foundation.