Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,242
95th percentile
60th percentile in New Hampshire
Median Debt
$27,000
6% above national median

Analysis

Rivier's psychology program stands out nationally but tells a more nuanced story in-state. These graduates earn $40,242 in their first year—landing in the 95th percentile compared to psychology programs nationwide, yet hitting the 60th percentile among New Hampshire schools. That gap reveals something important: New Hampshire psychology programs collectively outperform the national market, so being "above average" here means beating an already strong field.

The $27,000 in typical debt is manageable, especially with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 that's well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Earnings grow modestly to $43,171 by year four, a 7% increase that keeps pace with inflation. Compared to similar programs in the state—where Southern New Hampshire and Saint Anselm graduates earn nearly identical amounts—Rivier holds its own while maintaining reasonable debt loads.

The significant caveat: fewer than 30 graduates reported data here, meaning these numbers could shift substantially year to year. For parents, this program represents a solid path if your student is committed to psychology and wants the smaller campus environment Rivier offers. Just recognize you're paying New Hampshire tuition for outcomes that are good but not exceptional within the state—reasonable for the right fit, but not an automatic financial win.

Where Rivier University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rivier University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rivier University$40,242$43,171+7%
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online$39,681$47,768+20%
University of New Hampshire at Manchester$38,229$47,768+25%
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus$38,229$47,768+25%
Saint Anselm College$38,509$44,572+16%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rivier UniversityNashua$37,791$40,242$43,171$27,0000.67
New England CollegeHenniker$41,578$42,656$37,256$38,2850.90
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies OnlineManchester$7,812$39,681$47,768$27,0000.68
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$38,600$42,670$34,5470.90
Saint Anselm CollegeManchester$46,810$38,509$44,572$27,0000.70
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham$19,112$38,229$47,768$27,0000.71
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 Rivier University, approximately 27% 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.