Psychology at Stockton University

The real story here is the earnings trajectory, not the starting salary. While Stockton psychology graduates earn just $28,046 in their first year—landing them in the 22nd percentile nationally—by year four they're earning $44,103, a 57% jump that suggests graduates are finding their footing in careers that reward some experience. This matters because psychology degrees often require time to translate into stable career paths, whether that's through graduate school preparation, entry into social services, or corporate HR roles.

Within New Jersey, this program sits at the 40th percentile, trailing schools like Rider and Georgian Court by significant margins. The $24,500 debt load is reasonable relative to that first difficult year (a manageable 0.87 ratio), but parents should be realistic about what that first year looks like financially. Your child will likely need substantial support or a clear plan for that initial period when earnings barely cover living expenses.

The question is whether your child has a specific graduate school plan or career path in mind. The four-year earnings suggest this degree can work, but it requires patience and probably additional education. If they're exploring psychology as a general interest without a concrete next step, the numbers argue for considering alternatives with stronger early earnings—or being prepared to support them through a longer runway to financial independence.