Analysis
Similar psychology associate's programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $38,000, which would put Stark State's graduates well above the national median of $26,000 for this credential. The modest earnings bump to $40,000 by year four shows limited income growth, though that's typical for associate-level psychology programs where many graduates use the degree as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. The $16,000 debt load sits below Ohio's state median and positions this program at the 25th percentile nationally—meaning three-quarters of comparable programs leave students with more debt.
The practical calculus here depends entirely on your child's next move. If they're planning to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, this represents reasonable preparation with manageable debt. Psychology careers almost always require at least a bachelor's degree, and many roles demand graduate training. But if they're hoping to enter the workforce directly with just the associate's, comparable Ohio programs show earnings barely exceeding what many entry-level positions offer without a degree at all.
The relatively low debt gives your family flexibility to pursue that bachelor's degree without crushing financial pressure. Just understand that stopping at the associate's level limits psychology career options significantly—this degree works best as chapter one of a longer educational story.
Where Stark State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stark State College | — | $39,900 | — |
| Bunker Hill Community College | $37,256 | $48,088 | +29% |
| Delaware County Community College | $17,269 | $37,164 | +115% |
| Oklahoma City Community College | $28,679 | $36,863 | +29% |
| Sinclair Community College | $29,717 | $31,610 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stark State CollegeNorth Canton | $4,670 | $38,019* | $39,900 | $16,000 | — |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $38,019* | — | $17,999 | 0.47 |
 University of Cincinnati-Clermont CollegeBatavia | $6,554 | $38,019* | — | $17,999 | 0.47 |
 University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash CollegeBlue Ash | $6,992 | $38,019* | — | $17,999 | 0.47 |
 Sinclair Community CollegeDayton | $3,435 | $29,717* | $31,610 | $13,661 | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $26,232* | — | $11,198 | 0.43 |
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 Stark State 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.
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 4 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.