Psychology at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

A psychology degree from Slippery Rock puts graduates slightly ahead of the national average but noticeably below Pennsylvania's state median—landing at the 40th percentile among 83 programs statewide. That gap matters: while graduates earn $32,780 in their first year (better than 60% of psychology programs nationally), they're trailing the typical Pennsylvania psychology graduate by nearly $700 annually. The debt load of $26,960 is manageable with a ratio of 0.82 to first-year earnings, and it's actually lower than the state average.

What's working here is the steady earnings progression—an 18% increase to $38,667 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing in the workforce. However, even at that point, they're earning considerably less than what psychology graduates make at Pennsylvania's stronger programs like Bucknell or Gettysburg, where first-year earnings exceed $50,000. The moderate debt helps offset this concern somewhat, making the program more affordable than many alternatives.

For families prioritizing low tuition costs and reasonable debt over maximum earning potential, Slippery Rock delivers a predictable outcome. Your child will likely need to be strategic about career planning—perhaps pursuing graduate education or targeting specific industries—to close the income gap with Pennsylvania's median. The numbers suggest this is a safe but not exceptional investment for a psychology degree.