Analysis
Similar research psychology programs in Massachusetts produce first-year earnings around $38,000, which means Gordon College graduates would likely face spending about two-thirds of their first year's salary to clear their $25,612 in debt. That's actually a manageable ratio—better than three-quarters of psychology programs nationally when it comes to debt burden—but the modest starting salary still creates a tight financial situation for new graduates.
Massachusetts hosts some of the country's strongest psychology programs, and the earnings gap is significant: while elite schools like Tufts and Amherst report outcomes above $45,000, Gordon's peer programs cluster closer to the $38,000 mark. That $38,000 figure also sits just above the national median of $34,768 for this field, suggesting Massachusetts programs generally perform slightly better than the typical research psychology bachelor's degree. Still, these are not lucrative early-career outcomes, and the debt—though relatively modest compared to many bachelor's programs—represents nearly eight months of gross income.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether Gordon's particular strengths justify the debt when the estimated outcomes align with state averages rather than the top performers. The debt load is reasonable for the field, but research psychology bachelor's degrees rarely lead directly to high-paying positions. If graduate school is the plan, that debt becomes the foundation of a larger borrowing picture.
Where Gordon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all research and experimental psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Research and Experimental Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Gordon CollegeWenham | $28,100 | $38,463* | — | $25,612 | — |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $56,504* | — | $15,875 | 0.28 |
 Amherst CollegeAmherst | $67,280 | $45,786* | — | $10,800 | 0.24 |
 Smith CollegeNorthampton | $61,568 | $43,717* | $46,833 | $19,000 | 0.43 |
 Harvard UniversityCambridge | $59,076 | $41,501* | $76,453 | — | — |
 Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $38,463* | $57,605 | $26,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | — | $34,768* | — | $21,500 | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with research and experimental psychology graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Managers, All Other
Compliance Managers
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 Gordon College, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.