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
Earnings Distribution
How Kean University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University | $31,475 | $44,540 | +42% |
| The College of New Jersey | $28,920 | $57,068 | +97% |
| Rider University | $38,118 | $52,513 | +38% |
| Monmouth University | $28,590 | $50,107 | +75% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $31,280 | $49,641 | +59% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kean UniversityUnion | $13,426 | $31,475 | $44,540 | $25,000 | 0.79 |
 Rider UniversityLawrenceville | $38,900 | $38,118 | $52,513 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
 Georgian Court UniversityLakewood | $37,110 | $36,117 | $45,248 | $22,375 | 0.62 |
 Montclair State UniversityMontclair | $14,766 | $33,432 | $46,064 | $25,000 | 0.75 |
 Pillar CollegeNewark | $24,820 | $32,637 | $39,092 | $35,853 | 1.10 |
 William Paterson University of New JerseyWayne | $15,150 | $32,418 | $44,968 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.