Psychology at Mount Saint Mary College

The first-year earnings here rank among the lowest in the nation for psychology graduates, but something unusual happens next: graduates see their income more than double by year four, reaching $54,672—well above both national and state medians for this major. This dramatic trajectory suggests many graduates may start in entry-level positions or pursue additional credentials before moving into better-paying roles.

That 137% earnings growth is impressive, yet the starting salary of $23,122 creates real financial pressure when paired with $26,000 in debt. Fresh graduates will likely struggle to make meaningful loan payments in that first year, even though the debt-to-income ratio looks manageable on paper at 1.12. The silver lining: Mount Saint Mary's psychology grads eventually out-earn three-quarters of their state peers, landing at the 75th percentile for New York by year four.

For families, this program requires patience and possibly financial support during those early years. If your child can weather a challenging first year—perhaps through living at home or family assistance—the longer-term outcomes justify the investment. But if they need immediate post-graduation earnings to service debt, the initial salary could create serious stress. The $26,000 debt load is manageable compared to many private colleges, though still $1,000 above the state median for psychology programs.