Location: Boca Raton, FL•In-State Tuition: $4,879•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,324•Admission Rate: 73%•Avg SAT: 1119
Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,501
95th percentile
Median Debt
$13,500
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.53 ManageableSample: 17 graduates Limited data

Analysis

The standout feature here isn't the numbers themselves—it's what they reveal about certificate programs in this field. With earnings at $25,501 and debt of just $13,500, FAU's psychology certificate hits the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while carrying minimal debt burden. The 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross income, which is exceptional by any standard.

However, the limited sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—demands serious caution. These numbers may reflect a handful of students who happened to find solid positions immediately, rather than a reliable pattern you can bank on. The certificate format itself raises questions: these credentials typically serve as supplements to bachelor's degrees or stepping stones to further education, not standalone workforce entries. That $25,501 salary, while ranking well against other psychology certificates, is still quite modest in absolute terms.

If your student is considering this as preparation for graduate work in psychology or as a complement to another degree, the low debt makes it relatively low-risk. But if they're hoping this certificate alone will launch a career, understand that you're looking at entry-level earnings and very limited data on outcomes. The smart move is confirming exactly how graduates from this specific program are using their certificates before committing.

Where Florida Atlantic University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical, counseling and applied psychology certificate's programs nationally

Florida Atlantic UniversityOther clinical, counseling and applied psychology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Florida Atlantic University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Florida Atlantic University earns $26k — 95th percentile among clinical, counseling and applied psychology certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$25,501—$13,5000.53
National Median—$25,501—$13,5000.53

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical, counseling and applied psychology graduates

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Training and Development Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

$127,090/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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:

School Psychologists

Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.

$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:

Human Resources Specialists

Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

$72,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Florida Atlantic University, approximately 35% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.