Psychology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates psychology majors who earn slightly below the Massachusetts median but comfortably above the national average—a noteworthy achievement at a school with 92% admission and 40% of students on Pell grants. Starting at $32,855 and climbing to $39,763 by year four represents solid 21% growth, though it's worth noting that even at the four-year mark, earnings trail the state's first-year median. The debt load of $25,824 sits right at national norms and creates a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The practical reality: psychology graduates here are positioned for modest but steady financial progress, particularly compared to peers nationwide. Within Massachusetts, however, they're earning roughly $4,000 less than the state median at graduation—a gap that reflects both the program's positioning and the fact that Boston-area schools dominate the state's top ranks. For families paying in-state tuition at this public liberal arts college, the equation works better than the raw numbers might suggest.

This program makes sense for students committed to psychology who need an accessible entry point and can accept entry-level nonprofit or human services pay scales. The debt is reasonable and the trajectory is upward. Just understand you're not getting Boston College outcomes at MCLA prices—you're getting reliable preparation at a fraction of the cost.