Analysis
Temple's psychology program starts below both national and Pennsylvania averages but shows impressive earning momentum over time. While first-year graduates earn $30,054—about $3,300 less than the state median—earnings jump to $43,604 by year four, representing 45% growth that outpaces most psychology programs.
The debt picture is manageable at $26,000, sitting right at national norms and slightly below Pennsylvania's median. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87, graduates aren't facing the crushing debt loads that plague some programs. Among Pennsylvania's 83 psychology programs, Temple ranks around the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack but trailing schools like Bucknell ($51,645) and Gettysburg ($50,040) by significant margins.
For families concerned about immediate post-graduation earning potential, Temple's psychology program requires patience. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates develop valuable skills and experience over time, but the slower start means your child may need financial support in those early career years. Given Temple's 83% admission rate and the program's eventual earning power, this represents a reasonable path for students who can weather the initial earning period and aren't admitted to Pennsylvania's top-tier programs.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $30,054 | $43,604 | +45% |
| Dickinson College | $37,227 | $62,695 | +68% |
| Lafayette College | $36,235 | $60,657 | +67% |
| Lehigh University | $40,942 | $60,072 | +47% |
| Villanova University | $35,462 | $57,566 | +62% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (83 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $30,054 | $43,604 | $26,000 | 0.87 |
 Bucknell UniversityLewisburg | $64,772 | $51,645 | $50,805 | $27,000 | 0.52 |
 Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg | $64,230 | $50,040 | $50,611 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $40,942 | $60,072 | $21,160 | 0.52 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $39,866 | $51,752 | $30,000 | 0.75 |
 King's CollegeWilkes-Barre | $42,600 | $39,818 | $33,268 | $27,000 | 0.68 |
| 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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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 411 graduates with reported earnings and 577 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.