Psychology at Kean University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Kean University's psychology program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing their income jump 42% from $31,475 in year one to $44,540 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces typical psychology programs and suggests the degree opens doors to better opportunities over time.
Within New Jersey, Kean performs respectably, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 25 psychology programs. While it trails higher-tier options like Rider ($38,118) and Georgian Court ($36,117), it matches the national median for psychology earnings and beats the New Jersey state average by about $1,500. The $25,000 debt load is perfectly in line with both state and national norms, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.79.
For families considering this program, the key advantage is the strong earnings growth potential combined with reasonable debt levels. Psychology majors often need time to establish their careers, and Kean's graduates appear well-positioned for that journey. The 77% admission rate makes this accessible for most students, while the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes. This represents solid middle-of-the-pack value for a psychology degree in New Jersey.
Where Kean University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Kean University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kean University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University | $31,475 | $44,540 | $25,000 | 0.79 |
| Rider University | $38,118 | $52,513 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
| Georgian Court University | $36,117 | $45,248 | $22,375 | 0.62 |
| Montclair State University | $33,432 | $46,064 | $25,000 | 0.75 |
| Pillar College | $32,637 | $39,092 | $35,853 | 1.10 |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | $32,418 | $44,968 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rider University Lawrenceville | $38,900 | $38,118 | $27,000 |
| Georgian Court University Lakewood | $37,110 | $36,117 | $22,375 |
| Montclair State University Montclair | $14,766 | $33,432 | $25,000 |
| Pillar College Newark | $24,820 | $32,637 | $35,853 |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne | $15,150 | $32,418 | $25,000 |
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 Kean University, approximately 46% 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 393 graduates with reported earnings and 578 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.