Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,242
95th percentile (60th in NH)
Median Debt
$27,000
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.67
Manageable
Sample Size
23
Limited data

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

Rivier UniversityOther psychology programs

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 Rivier University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rivier University graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 95th 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 Hampshire

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rivier University$40,242$43,171$27,0000.67
New England College$42,656$37,256$38,2850.90
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online$39,681$47,768$27,0000.68
Southern New Hampshire University$38,600$42,670$34,5470.90
Saint Anselm College$38,509$44,572$27,0000.70
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus$38,229$47,768$27,0000.71
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in New Hampshire

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Hampshire schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
New England College
Henniker
$41,578$42,656$38,285
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
Manchester
$7,812$39,681$27,000
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester
$16,450$38,600$34,547
Saint Anselm College
Manchester
$46,810$38,509$27,000
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham
$19,112$38,229$27,000

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.