Psychology at Rowan University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Rowan University's psychology program stands out for doing more with less—graduates start below the national average but experience impressive 51% earnings growth over four years, reaching $46,570 by year four. This trajectory places the program in the 60th percentile among New Jersey psychology programs, meaningfully above the state median of $29,982.
The debt picture reinforces this value story. At $21,500, graduates carry significantly less debt than both the national ($25,500) and state ($25,000) medians for psychology programs. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can reasonably manage their loans even with modest starting salaries. While the program ranks in the 81st percentile nationally for debt levels, this reflects psychology's generally lower borrowing patterns rather than excessive costs.
What makes this particularly attractive is the strong earnings momentum combined with reasonable debt loads. Unlike top-tier programs where students might graduate with $30,000+ in debt for marginally better starting salaries, Rowan's psychology graduates get solid long-term earning potential without the financial stress. For families seeking a psychology degree that balances affordability with career growth, this program delivers clear value.
Where Rowan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
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 Rowan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rowan University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 45th 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 Jersey
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University | $30,920 | $46,570 | $21,500 | 0.70 |
| Rider University | $38,118 | $52,513 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
| Georgian Court University | $36,117 | $45,248 | $22,375 | 0.62 |
| Montclair State University | $33,432 | $46,064 | $25,000 | 0.75 |
| Pillar College | $32,637 | $39,092 | $35,853 | 1.10 |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | $32,418 | $44,968 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rider University Lawrenceville | $38,900 | $38,118 | $27,000 |
| Georgian Court University Lakewood | $37,110 | $36,117 | $22,375 |
| Montclair State University Montclair | $14,766 | $33,432 | $25,000 |
| Pillar College Newark | $24,820 | $32,637 | $35,853 |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne | $15,150 | $32,418 | $25,000 |
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 Rowan University, approximately 31% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 367 graduates with reported earnings and 502 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.