Psychology at Davidson College

The data here is quirky—Davidson is literally the only school in North Carolina offering an undergraduate psychology certificate, and fewer than 30 students have completed it. That said, what we can measure looks promising: graduates start at $31,401 but see their earnings jump 75% to nearly $55,000 within four years, which suggests the credential opens doors even if it doesn't command a premium salary right out of the gate.

The debt picture is notably clean for a selective private institution. At $18,500, graduates owe about 40% less than the national median for psychology certificates, and the 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio means they're starting from a manageable position even during that lower-earning first year. Nationally, this program ranks in the 95th percentile for earnings—though in North Carolina it's exactly at the state median (because it is the state median as the only program).

The real question is whether this certificate fits your student's plans. With Davidson's 14% admission rate and high academic standards, most families here are likely looking at this as a supplement to a bachelor's degree rather than a standalone credential. If that's the case and the debt stays this low, the strong earnings trajectory suggests it adds real value. Just remember: with such a small sample, one cohort's career choices could swing these numbers significantly.