Psychology at Sinclair Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Sinclair's associate psychology program faces a challenging reality: while it outperforms most programs nationally, it significantly lags behind Ohio's median earnings of $38,019—placing it in just the 25th percentile statewide. Your child would graduate making about $30,000, roughly $8,000 less annually than peers at University of Cincinnati's branch campuses. That's not a trivial gap for a household budget.
The debt picture offers some relief. At $13,661, graduates carry manageable loans—about $4,000 less than Ohio's median for psychology associates programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means repayment should be feasible, though the modest starting salary leaves little cushion. Earnings do inch upward over four years, reaching $31,610, but that trajectory suggests this degree functions more as a stepping stone than a career foundation.
Here's the practical question: Is your child planning to transfer to a four-year program, or hoping this associate's will launch them into the workforce? If transferring, Sinclair's lower debt burden makes sense as an affordable bridge. But if they expect this degree to stand alone, other Ohio schools deliver substantially better immediate earning potential for similar or comparable debt loads. The numbers suggest treating this as the first chapter, not the whole story.
Where Sinclair Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Sinclair Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Sinclair Community College graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all psychology associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Community College | $29,717 | $31,610 | $13,661 | 0.46 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $38,019 | — | $17,999 | 0.47 |
| University of Cincinnati-Clermont College | $38,019 | — | $17,999 | 0.47 |
| University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College | $38,019 | — | $17,999 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $26,232 | — | $11,198 | 0.43 |
Other Psychology Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati | $13,570 | $38,019 | $17,999 |
| University of Cincinnati-Clermont College Batavia | $6,554 | $38,019 | $17,999 |
| University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College Blue Ash | $6,992 | $38,019 | $17,999 |
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 Sinclair Community College, approximately 27% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.