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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $56,360 | $39,890 | $61,555 | $26,000 | 0.65 | |
| $67,420 | $48,406 | — | $22,944 | 0.47 | |
| $8,506 | $45,428 | — | $22,779 | 0.50 | |
| $64,812 | $40,141 | $53,436 | $24,197 | 0.60 | |
| $12,828 | $35,716 | $41,899 | $23,000 | 0.64 | |
| $39,924 | $34,725 | $42,352 | $35,937 | 1.03 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.