Analysis
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.
Where San Diego State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How San Diego State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State University | $29,346 | $37,078 | +26% |
| Santa Clara University | $38,587 | $58,545 | +52% |
| University of the Pacific | $23,077 | $57,652 | +150% |
| University of Southern California | $34,139 | $55,156 | +62% |
| University of San Diego | $35,595 | $55,078 | +55% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (84 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 San Diego State UniversitySan Diego | $8,290 | $29,346 | $37,078 | $14,301 | 0.49 |
 University of Massachusetts GlobalAliso Viejo | $12,520 | $40,726 | $51,379 | $26,703 | 0.66 |
 The Chicago School at Los AngelesLos Angeles | $20,844 | $39,596 | — | $40,645 | 1.03 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $38,587 | $58,545 | $17,667 | 0.46 |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $38,524 | $36,510 | $43,875 | 1.14 |
 National UniversitySan Diego | $13,320 | $38,523 | $54,307 | $31,250 | 0.81 |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 San Diego State 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 466 graduates with reported earnings and 418 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.