Analysis
A psychology bachelor's degree from St. Francis College comes with an estimated $21,000 in debt—right at the national median for this field—but earning projections based on comparable New York programs suggest a first-year salary around $38,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means your child would owe roughly half a year's salary, which is manageable territory for a bachelor's degree, though not exceptional. With nearly half of St. Francis students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a population where keeping debt loads moderate matters considerably.
The earnings estimate sits at the state median for psychology programs but notably trails the top performers in New York by $10,000 to $15,000. Columbia and Barnard graduates earn substantially more in their first year, though those schools occupy different tiers of selectivity and cost. What's harder to assess here is whether St. Francis's actual outcomes align with these peer-based projections, or whether factors like location in Brooklyn, internship networks, or career services might push results higher or lower than the typical New York psychology program.
For families evaluating this investment, the estimated numbers suggest neither a red flag nor a standout opportunity. The real question is what your child plans to do with the degree—psychology bachelor's holders often need graduate school for clinical work, which would add significantly more debt to this equation. If they're considering industry roles in HR, research coordination, or related fields where a bachelor's suffices, these projections indicate a reasonable starting point, assuming St. Francis delivers outcomes consistent with similar programs statewide.
Where St. Francis College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all research and experimental psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Research and Experimental Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,570 | $38,622* | — | $21,000* | — | |
| $69,045 | $53,156* | $56,899 | $20,500* | 0.39 | |
| $66,246 | $44,055* | — | $17,000* | 0.39 | |
| $67,024 | $41,883* | — | $16,000* | 0.38 | |
| $65,740 | $39,880* | — | $17,450* | 0.44 | |
| $64,348 | $39,732* | $68,347 | $21,000* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $34,768* | — | $21,500* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with research and experimental psychology graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Managers, All Other
Compliance Managers
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 St. Francis College, approximately 47% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.