Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,890
95th percentile (60th in CT)
Median Debt
$26,000
2% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.65
Manageable
Sample Size
40
Adequate data

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

Fairfield UniversityOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Fairfield University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Fairfield University graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fairfield University$39,890$61,555$26,0000.65
Trinity College$48,406—$22,9440.47
Charter Oak State College$45,428—$22,7790.50
Connecticut College$40,141$53,436$24,1970.60
Southern Connecticut State University$35,716$41,899$23,0000.64
Albertus Magnus College$34,725$42,352$35,9371.03
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Connecticut

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Trinity College
Hartford
$67,420$48,406$22,944
Charter Oak State College
New Britain
$8,506$45,428$22,779
Connecticut College
New London
$64,812$40,141$24,197
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven
$12,828$35,716$23,000
Albertus Magnus College
New Haven
$39,924$34,725$35,937

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.