Psychology at Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College's psychology graduates start at concerning salaries—$26,952 in year one places them in just the 16th percentile nationally—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, earnings jump to $44,351, representing 65% growth that outpaces typical psychology outcomes. Within Michigan, this program sits squarely at the state median for first-year earnings but the strong growth pattern suggests graduates may be accessing better opportunities after gaining experience or completing additional credentials.

The $24,650 debt load is manageable relative to that first-year salary (0.91 ratio), though it's worth noting that five other Michigan schools deliver higher immediate earnings with comparable debt levels. For context, graduates from Spring Arbor University and Cornerstone University earn $8,000-9,000 more right out of college, which could accelerate debt payoff and career momentum. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty to these figures.

The key question is whether your student plans to pursue graduate school or needs immediate earning power. If they're headed to grad school anyway, the initial salary gap matters less. But if they need to work and pay down debt immediately after graduation, programs offering $32,000+ starting salaries would provide more financial breathing room during those crucial early career years.