Psychology at North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University's psychology program produces earnings that track closely with state averages—graduates earn $29,400 in their first year, essentially matching the $29,409 North Carolina median. What makes this particularly noteworthy is the program's low debt burden: at $29,727, these graduates carry roughly $3,200 less debt than the typical NC psychology major. That 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can pay off their loans within a year of full-time work at median salary, a manageable starting point for a field not known for high initial pay.

The 21% earnings growth to $35,634 by year four shows solid progression and actually outpaces what graduates from some higher-ranked NC schools achieve initially. While schools like Elon and Wake Forest start their psychology grads higher, NCCU students aren't dramatically behind—and they're getting there with significantly less debt. Given that 57% of students receive Pell grants, this represents genuine economic mobility for first-generation and lower-income students entering a helping profession.

For families concerned about psychology's earning potential, this program won't transform that fundamental reality. But if your child is set on this path, NCCU offers a version with manageable debt and steady growth. The combination of below-average borrowing with average outcomes makes this a solid choice for North Carolina residents, particularly those who qualify for in-state tuition.