Psychology at Keene State College

Keene State's psychology program produces graduates who earn solidly above the national average but trail most other New Hampshire colleges in this field. At $34,633 in year one, graduates start ahead of 75% of psychology programs nationally, yet rank in just the 40th percentile within New Hampshire—meaning six in ten psychology graduates from other NH schools earn more. This gap widens when you compare to the state's top performers, where graduates at New England College and Rivier start nearly $8,000 higher.

The positive story here is growth trajectory: earnings jump 28% to $44,359 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing after an initial period in entry-level positions. The $26,000 debt load is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio that allows for steady financial progress. For psychology majors planning graduate school—a common path in this field—keeping debt below $30,000 preserves options.

The practical question is whether saving on in-state tuition at Keene State offsets the earning gap compared to other NH programs. If your child is paying similar tuition at any New Hampshire school, the data suggests looking closely at those higher-earning alternatives. But if Keene State offers a meaningful cost advantage through scholarships or residency, the combination of manageable debt and strong earnings growth makes this a viable choice for a psychology bachelor's degree.