Psychology at Middlebury College

Middlebury's psychology program produces earnings that crush national averages—graduates earn $43,839 in their first year, 39% above the typical psychology BA—but the real story is the trajectory. Four years out, earnings jump to $67,306, a 54% increase that suggests these graduates are leveraging Middlebury's prestigious brand (10% admission rate, 1500 average SAT) to access career paths beyond entry-level psychology roles. They're also doing it with just $17,256 in debt, roughly one-third the national median for psychology majors.

The Vermont context provides some reality check: at the 60th percentile statewide, this program doesn't dominate locally the way it does nationally. Norwich graduates actually earn slightly less initially but still command strong outcomes. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means manageable repayment from day one—graduates could reasonably pay off their loans in under a year if they prioritized it.

The major caveat is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. That said, for families who can afford Middlebury or qualify for its need-based aid (17% Pell students suggests some accessibility), this represents a strong investment. The combination of low debt and rapid earnings growth suggests graduates are successfully translating an elite liberal arts education into economic mobility.