Psychology at Kent State University at Salem

Kent State Salem's psychology program produces graduates who earn significantly less than the national average, with first-year salaries of $28,474 falling in just the 25th percentile nationally. However, the program performs better within Ohio, ranking in the 40th percentile among the state's 74 psychology programs—though still below the state median of $30,682. With debt levels matching both national and state averages at $25,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 is manageable, meaning graduates can expect to earn slightly more in their first year than they borrowed.

The earnings trajectory offers some optimism, with 23% growth from year one to year four bringing salaries to $34,961. This puts four-year earnings close to the national 75th percentile benchmark, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in the job market. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable indicators of typical outcomes.

For parents considering this program, the key tradeoff is clear: lower starting salaries in exchange for reasonable debt levels and solid earnings growth. While graduates won't immediately out-earn their peers from top Ohio programs like Kenyon ($39,203) or John Carroll ($36,602), the financial burden remains manageable. This program makes sense for families prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential in psychology.