Psychology at Russell Sage College

Russell Sage College graduates with psychology degrees earn significantly more than most of their peers nationally—landing in the 95th percentile—yet find themselves in the middle of the pack among New York programs. That $37,821 starting salary beats the national median by over $6,000, but falls short of several CUNY schools and other state competitors. The $25,000 in debt is exactly on par with both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that should be paid down within a reasonable timeframe.

The trajectory looks solid: earnings grow 13% to $42,775 by year four, a steady if unspectacular climb. For families weighing this against cheaper SUNY options or community colleges, the trade-off is real—you're paying private school tuition for outcomes that New York's public system can sometimes match or exceed. That said, with 43% of students receiving Pell grants and a 76% admission rate, Russell Sage appears accessible to middle-income families who might value the smaller campus environment.

The bottom line: if your student is set on psychology and Russell Sage specifically appeals for fit reasons, the earnings data won't sink you. But if you're choosing purely on ROI, several New York public institutions deliver comparable or better outcomes at lower cost.