Psychology at San Diego State University

San Diego State's psychology program stands out for keeping student debt remarkably low while delivering solid earnings growth. With just $14,301 in median debt—well below both the national average of $25,500 and California's $21,500—graduates avoid the debt burden that plagues many psychology majors elsewhere.

The earnings tell a more nuanced story. Starting salaries of $29,346 lag behind the national median by about $2,000, placing SDSU in the 32nd percentile nationally and 40th percentile within California. However, the 26% earnings growth to $37,078 by year four shows promising trajectory, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates can manage their loans relatively easily compared to peers drowning in higher debt loads.

For parents concerned about psychology's reputation for poor financial outcomes, SDSU offers a compelling middle path. While your child won't immediately out-earn peers at top-tier private schools like Santa Clara ($38,587), they'll graduate with significantly less financial stress. The combination of low debt and steady earnings growth makes this program a practical choice for students committed to psychology, providing financial flexibility for graduate school or career exploration without crushing debt payments.