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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,791 | $40,242 | $43,171 | $27,000 | 0.67 | |
| $41,578 | $42,656 | $37,256 | $38,285 | 0.90 | |
| $7,812 | $39,681 | $47,768 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| $16,450 | $38,600 | $42,670 | $34,547 | 0.90 | |
| $46,810 | $38,509 | $44,572 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| $19,112 | $38,229 | $47,768 | $27,000 | 0.71 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $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 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.