Analysis
Nazareth's psychology graduates start modestly but gain momentum quickly. That $32,375 first-year salary climbs to nearly $46,000 by year fourβa 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 Yorkβlike CUNY's Graduate School at $48,000βserve 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
Earnings Distribution
How Nazareth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nazareth University | $32,375 | $45,763 | +41% |
| Cornell University | $36,630 | $64,146 | +75% |
| Fordham University | $28,256 | $58,590 | +107% |
| Binghamton University | $30,023 | $58,122 | +94% |
| Ithaca College | $27,814 | $55,104 | +98% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,880 | $32,375 | $45,763 | $25,000 | 0.77 | |
| $7,410 | $48,299 | $41,272 | $19,462 | 0.40 | |
| β | $43,574 | β | $28,914 | 0.66 | |
| $7,352 | $39,868 | $41,004 | $11,700 | 0.29 | |
| $7,630 | $39,188 | $40,013 | $29,050 | 0.74 | |
| $21,810 | $38,918 | $37,736 | $20,500 | 0.53 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $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 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.