Psychology at SUNY College at Potsdam

SUNY Potsdam's psychology program starts graduates at a notably low point—$27,825 in year one—but the trajectory matters more than the starting line here. Within four years, earnings jump 50% to $41,677, outpacing both the national and state medians by roughly $10,000. That pattern of significant growth, combined with manageable debt of $26,525, suggests this program equips graduates to advance beyond entry-level positions relatively quickly.

The challenge is that first year. At just the 21st percentile nationally and 40th in New York, those initial earnings will feel tight, especially in a region without major metro-area wages. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.95 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in loans. However, the steady upward climb—and the fact that year-four earnings exceed what 75% of psychology graduates earn nationally right after graduation—indicates the program develops skills that employers increasingly value.

For families comfortable with a modest starting salary and confident their student can weather the first year or two, this represents a reasonable investment. The 43% Pell grant population suggests the school understands financial constraints, and the debt level stays near national norms. Just ensure your student has realistic expectations about that initial job market and ideally some financial cushion to bridge the early career phase.