Psychology at Long Island University

Long Island University's psychology graduates start at just $28,007—well below both national and New York state medians—but the earnings trajectory tells a different story. By year four, median pay jumps 62% to $45,251, ultimately surpassing most psychology programs in the state. That kind of growth suggests graduates are successfully pivoting into better-paying roles, though it requires weathering several lean early years.

The challenge is that first year out of college. Earning under $28,000 while carrying $23,343 in debt means this program demands either family support or a side hustle during the transition period. Within New York, this program sits at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack among 92 schools—but costs more debt than 71% of psychology programs nationwide. Compare that to CUNY's Medgar Evers, where grads start at nearly $40,000, and the early-career disadvantage becomes stark.

If your child can manage the financial strain of those first few years, the eventual earnings are competitive. But psychology majors at this price point need a clear plan for what comes after graduation—whether that's graduate school, certification programs, or adjacent fields that value the degree. This isn't a program where you can coast; it rewards those who hustle through the difficult startup phase.