Analysis
Montclair State's psychology program outperforms most competitors in New Jersey, placing in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $33,432—well above the state median of $29,982. More impressively, graduates see strong income growth, jumping 38% to $46,064 by year four. This combination of solid starting salaries and consistent growth puts the program ahead of nearby public options like William Paterson and Kean University.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a psychology degree. With $25,000 in median debt—right at the state average—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75. This means monthly loan payments should consume a sustainable portion of entry-level salaries, especially as earnings climb toward the mid-$40s within four years.
For parents considering psychology programs in New Jersey, Montclair State offers competitive value without the premium pricing of private alternatives. While it doesn't reach the earnings levels of Rider University, it significantly outperforms the state median and provides accessible admission standards. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates are finding meaningful career advancement, making this a solid choice for students committed to psychology-related fields.
Where Montclair State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Montclair State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montclair State University | $33,432 | $46,064 | +38% |
| The College of New Jersey | $28,920 | $57,068 | +97% |
| Rider University | $38,118 | $52,513 | +38% |
| Monmouth University | $28,590 | $50,107 | +75% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $31,280 | $49,641 | +59% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Montclair State UniversityMontclair | $14,766 | $33,432 | $46,064 | $25,000 | 0.75 |
 Rider UniversityLawrenceville | $38,900 | $38,118 | $52,513 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
 Georgian Court UniversityLakewood | $37,110 | $36,117 | $45,248 | $22,375 | 0.62 |
 Pillar CollegeNewark | $24,820 | $32,637 | $39,092 | $35,853 | 1.10 |
 William Paterson University of New JerseyWayne | $15,150 | $32,418 | $44,968 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
 Kean UniversityUnion | $13,426 | $31,475 | $44,540 | $25,000 | 0.79 |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Montclair State University, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 439 graduates with reported earnings and 574 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.