Psychology at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams psychology grads start slow but catch up quickly—first-year earnings of $32,289 lag behind other Rhode Island programs (40th percentile statewide), but by year four they reach $48,854, a 51% jump that outpaces typical career progression. The $27,000 in median debt is manageable relative to that first-year salary, though families should note that RWU grads initially earn about $3,000 less than the state median for psychology majors.

The real question is whether that early earnings gap matters for your family's budget. If your child can weather the lower starting salary—perhaps through living at home or modest lifestyle adjustments—the trajectory looks solid. The program performs slightly above the national median but trails URI and Providence College graduates by $4,000-$5,000 annually even after four years, suggesting those schools may offer stronger alumni networks or career placement for psychology majors in Rhode Island's market.

For families comparing Rhode Island schools, this comes down to cost: if RWU's net price is competitive with URI or the state colleges after financial aid, the career outcomes justify it. If you're paying significantly more than public alternatives, that premium isn't reflected in the earnings data.