Psychology at Simmons University

By year four, Simmons psychology graduates earn a median of $53,012—well above both the state median of $36,873 and the national benchmark of $31,482 for psychology bachelor's programs. That substantial jump from an estimated $36,873 in year one suggests meaningful career progression, which isn't universal in this field. The $26,678 in debt sits right at the state median and just slightly above the national figure, translating to a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio even using that more conservative first-year estimate.

What distinguishes this program is the trajectory. While top Massachusetts programs like Bentley ($62,218) and Boston College ($44,760) show stronger immediate outcomes, Simmons graduates appear to gain significant ground within just a few years. Psychology bachelor's programs often struggle with early-career earnings—the national median of $31,482 barely covers basic living expenses in many markets. Simmons' year-four figure of $53,012 indicates graduates are finding professional roles rather than getting stuck in entry-level positions that don't require a degree.

The debt load here is reasonable for a private Boston institution, particularly given the outcome four years out. If your child is genuinely committed to psychology and has a realistic plan for those first couple years when earnings will be modest, the four-year numbers suggest this investment pays off. Just ensure they understand that initial salary will likely require either shared housing or other financial support.