Psychology at Howard University

Howard's psychology program starts far behind but catches up dramatically. That $18,934 first-year salary—landing in just the 5th percentile nationally—reflects the reality that many psychology graduates take entry-level positions or pursue further education. However, by year four, earnings jump to $44,692, exceeding the national median by 42% and outpacing every DC psychology program except Georgetown. This 136% earnings growth suggests graduates either complete additional credentials or transition into higher-paying roles relatively quickly.

The $25,000 debt load is manageable and typical for the field, matching DC's median exactly. While that 1.32 debt-to-earnings ratio looks concerning initially, it's misleading given the dramatic earnings trajectory. By year four, debt represents just 56% of annual income—a much healthier picture than the first-year numbers suggest. The program ranks in the 25th percentile among DC's eight psychology programs initially, but this understates the value proposition given where graduates end up.

The key question for parents: can your child weather that difficult first year financially? If they're planning graduate school anyway or have support during that transition period, this program delivers strong medium-term outcomes. The four-year earnings suggest Howard psychology graduates successfully launch careers that justify the investment, but you need to plan for limited earning power immediately after graduation.