Psychology at Nazareth University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Nazareth's psychology graduates start modestly but gain momentum quickly. That $32,375 first-year salary climbs to nearly $46,000 by year four—a 41% jump that outpaces the typical trajectory for psychology majors. Among New York's 92 psychology programs, this lands at the 60th percentile, putting it ahead of most SUNY and CUNY options despite Nazareth's private school sticker price.
The $25,000 median debt equals both the state and national benchmarks, keeping the initial debt burden manageable at 0.77 times first-year earnings. This ratio improves substantially as earnings grow, and graduates appear to find their footing in the job market faster than peers at many comparable institutions. For context, the top earners in New York—like CUNY's Graduate School at $48,000—serve different populations or offer different program structures, but Nazareth holds its own in the middle tier.
The real question is whether your student plans to pursue graduate school, since many psychology careers require advanced degrees. If they're heading straight to work, these earnings suggest decent entry points in social services, HR, or related fields. If grad school is the plan, keeping debt at $25,000 for the bachelor's provides more flexibility for additional borrowing later.
Where Nazareth University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Nazareth University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Nazareth University graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazareth University | $32,375 | $45,763 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center | $48,299 | $41,272 | $19,462 | 0.40 |
| Excelsior University | $43,574 | — | $28,914 | 0.66 |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | $39,868 | $41,004 | $11,700 | 0.29 |
| Empire State University | $39,188 | $40,013 | $29,050 | 0.74 |
| Touro University | $38,918 | $37,736 | $20,500 | 0.53 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York | $7,410 | $48,299 | $19,462 |
| Excelsior University Albany | — | $43,574 | $28,914 |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn | $7,352 | $39,868 | $11,700 |
| Empire State University Saratoga Springs | $7,630 | $39,188 | $29,050 |
| Touro University New York | $21,810 | $38,918 | $20,500 |
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 Nazareth University, approximately 26% 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 41 graduates with reported earnings and 77 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.