Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,890
95th percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$26,000
2% above national median

Analysis

Fairfield's psychology program places graduates well above the national pack—95th percentile for earnings—though within Connecticut, the picture is more nuanced. While Trinity and Charter Oak State edge ahead, Fairfield substantially outpaces most state competitors and delivers a trajectory that differentiates it from the typical psychology graduate story.

That trajectory matters enormously here. Starting at $39,890 (already 27% above the national median), graduates see their earnings jump 54% to $61,555 by year four. This kind of growth suggests graduates are moving into roles that leverage their degree effectively—whether in corporate HR, research positions, or graduate school preparation that pays off. The $26,000 debt load sits right at the national norm, creating a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves dramatically as salaries climb.

The 60th percentile standing within Connecticut reflects the state's competitive landscape rather than program weakness. Psychology graduates here earn nearly double what their peers at typical programs nationwide make four years out, which should matter more than intra-state rankings. For families concerned about psychology's reputation as a low-earning major, this data tells a different story: selective programs with strong career services can produce substantially better outcomes than the field's averages suggest.

Where Fairfield University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fairfield University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Fairfield University$39,890$61,555+54%
Connecticut College$40,141$53,436+33%
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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fairfield UniversityFairfield$56,360$39,890$61,555$26,0000.65
Trinity CollegeHartford$67,420$48,406$22,9440.47
Charter Oak State CollegeNew Britain$8,506$45,428$22,7790.50
Connecticut CollegeNew London$64,812$40,141$53,436$24,1970.60
Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven$12,828$35,716$41,899$23,0000.64
Albertus Magnus CollegeNew Haven$39,924$34,725$42,352$35,9371.03
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 Fairfield University, approximately 7% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 69 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.