Psychology at Salisbury University

Salisbury's psychology program starts graduates at just $29,000—well below both national and Maryland medians—but stick with this one before dismissing it. By year four, earnings jump 61% to $47,000, transforming what looks like an underwhelming start into a respectable mid-career trajectory. The $22,625 debt load is reasonable enough that graduates can manage payments even during that challenging first year, and the debt-to-earnings ratio improves dramatically as salaries climb.

The catch is timing and patience. Within Maryland, this program ranks in the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack, trailing stronger options like UMD Global Campus ($42,000 starting) and Bowie State ($36,765). That first year matters enormously for students who need immediate earning power, whether for loan payments or living expenses. Psychology graduates often pursue additional credentials or career transitions during those early years, which may explain both the low starting point and the strong growth curve.

For families comfortable with a longer payoff timeline, the numbers work: manageable debt paired with significant earning growth creates a viable path forward. But if your student needs strong earnings right out of the gate—say, to avoid moving home or to start paying loans immediately—this program's slow start could create real financial stress despite the eventual upside.