Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale's psychology program carries a notably low debt burden—about $7,000 less than typical New York graduates and $20,000 below what students at Pace University face. The first-year earnings lag both state and national medians substantially, but the 72% earnings growth to year four tells a different story: graduates reach nearly $50,000, well above the national median. While this pattern of steep early growth isn't uncommon in psychology (where many pursue graduate degrees or credentials), the relatively strong fourth-year outcome combined with manageable debt creates a reasonable foundation.

However, the small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, one or two outliers could swing these numbers significantly. The 40th percentile ranking among New York programs also suggests this isn't a standout choice—seven schools in the state deliver stronger earnings outcomes, including several CUNY campuses that cost less. That first-year figure of $28,904 is particularly concerning for graduates who need immediate earnings to service debt.

For families seeking an affordable path to a psychology degree in New York's public system, the debt level is manageable. But if your student is serious about this field, compare carefully against CUNY options like Baruch, where graduates earn nearly double in their first year. The trajectory improves, but that initial struggle could matter more than later gains.