Analysis
St. Joseph's University-New York delivers something rare in psychology: meaningful earnings growth after a rocky start. While graduates begin at just $32,041—barely above the national average—earnings jump 38% by year four to $44,056, placing them comfortably ahead of both national and state medians. Among New York's 92 psychology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, suggesting above-average outcomes in a competitive market.
The $24,492 debt load sits slightly below state and national medians, making the initial earnings dip more manageable than it appears. That 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one improves dramatically as graduates gain experience, though families should plan for those first few years when budgets will be tight. For a field where many graduates pursue additional credentials or gain traction through work experience, this trajectory suggests the program successfully prepares students for career advancement rather than leaving them stuck at entry-level wages.
The gap between St. Joseph's outcomes and top NY programs like CUNY Graduate Center ($48,299) is significant, but those comparisons often include graduate-level psychology programs or specialized populations. For families seeking a bachelor's program that won't bury students in debt while still opening doors to professional growth, this represents a solid middle-ground option—especially given the 71% admission rate makes it accessible to students who might not crack the most selective programs.
Where St. Joseph's University-New York Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How St. Joseph's University-New York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph's University-New York | $32,041 | $44,056 | +37% |
| Cornell University | $36,630 | $64,146 | +75% |
| Fordham University | $28,256 | $58,590 | +107% |
| Binghamton University | $30,023 | $58,122 | +94% |
| Ithaca College | $27,814 | $55,104 | +98% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,535 | $32,041 | $44,056 | $24,492 | 0.76 | |
| $7,410 | $48,299 | $41,272 | $19,462 | 0.40 | |
| — | $43,574 | — | $28,914 | 0.66 | |
| $7,352 | $39,868 | $41,004 | $11,700 | 0.29 | |
| $7,630 | $39,188 | $40,013 | $29,050 | 0.74 | |
| $21,810 | $38,918 | $37,736 | $20,500 | 0.53 | |
| 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 St. Joseph's University-New York, approximately 34% 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 61 graduates with reported earnings and 112 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.