Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Montgomery County Community College

The limited data here—fewer than 30 graduates—makes it hard to draw firm conclusions, but the numbers suggest Montgomery County Community College's psychology associate's program delivers remarkably low debt for entry-level earnings. At $12,000 in median debt against $22,268 in first-year earnings, graduates face a debt burden of just 54% of their annual income. That's manageable by any standard, and the debt figure ranks in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt.

The earnings picture is less clear-cut. While this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, only 23 schools nationwide offer this associate's degree, and Pennsylvania has just three such programs total. The $22,000 starting salary is typical for associate-level psychology work, which often means roles like behavioral health technician or case management assistant—positions that usually require further education for meaningful advancement. The 60th percentile ranking within Pennsylvania suggests other in-state programs may offer slightly better earning outcomes, though the differences are likely modest.

For a family considering this as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree in psychology or social work, the low debt makes it a reasonable option. But understand this is primarily a credential for entry-level human services work, not a terminal degree. If your child plans to stop at the associate's level, verify that local employers value this credential before enrolling.