Research and Experimental Psychology at Macalester College

A $26,000 debt load for $38,000 in first-year earnings translates to a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.68—well below the 1.0 threshold that signals financial stress. Macalester's Research and Experimental Psychology graduates earn above both the national median ($34,768) and Minnesota's state median ($36,600), though the program trails nearby Carleton by about $1,200 annually. What stands out is the relatively low debt burden: at the 19th percentile nationally, Macalester students graduate owing significantly less than peers at other psychology programs while still earning competitive salaries.

The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. That said, Macalester's selective admissions (28% acceptance rate, 1424 average SAT) and strong institutional resources suggest consistency is likely. Among Minnesota's six Research and Experimental Psychology programs, this one lands solidly in the middle for earnings while keeping debt manageable, a reasonable outcome for a liberal arts education at a competitive private college.

For families weighing this program, the financial picture is straightforward: your graduate will likely manage their debt comfortably within a typical repayment window, earning above-average wages for psychology majors from the start. The small sample means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs, but the fundamentals—moderate debt, decent earnings—point to a sound investment.