Psychology at Salem State University

Salem State's psychology program outperforms most programs nationally but lands squarely in the middle of Massachusetts' competitive landscape. While graduates earn 16% more than the national median for psychology majors ($36,492 versus $31,482), they're earning right at the state median—placing them in the 40th percentile among Bay State psychology programs. This isn't surprising given the concentration of elite liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts, but it means your child will likely face tougher competition in the local job market than graduates at comparable schools in other states.

The financial picture is manageable but not remarkable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 is reasonable for a liberal arts degree, and the $26,435 median debt sits below both national and state averages. Earnings growth is solid—a 24% jump to $45,094 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing professionally. However, that four-year figure still trails what graduates from Bentley, Boston College, and several other Massachusetts schools earn right out of the gate.

For families seeking an affordable psychology degree without the pressure of selective admissions (96% acceptance rate), Salem State delivers decent value. Your child won't graduate with crushing debt, and their earnings will likely surpass most psychology majors nationally. Just understand that within Massachusetts, this is a middle-of-the-pack outcome—perfectly respectable, but not a standout investment if career earnings are the primary concern.