Psychology at Temple University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Temple University graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 38th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (83 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $30,054 | $43,604 | $26,000 | 0.87 |
| Bucknell University | $51,645 | $50,805 | $27,000 | 0.52 |
| Gettysburg College | $50,040 | $50,611 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| Lehigh University | $40,942 | $60,072 | $21,160 | 0.52 |
| Drexel University | $39,866 | $51,752 | $30,000 | 0.75 |
| King's College | $39,818 | $33,268 | $27,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucknell University Lewisburg | $64,772 | $51,645 | $27,000 |
| Gettysburg College Gettysburg | $64,230 | $50,040 | $27,000 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $40,942 | $21,160 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $39,866 | $30,000 |
| King's College Wilkes-Barre | $42,600 | $39,818 | $27,000 |
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.