Psychology at The Catholic University of America

Catholic University's psychology program stands out for one unusual characteristic: its graduates start at just $24,106—well below both national and DC averages—but then see their earnings more than double within four years to $55,808. This dramatic 132% jump suggests many graduates either pursue additional credentials or transition into better-paying roles after gaining initial experience, creating a challenging first year or two before meaningful career progress begins.

The $26,000 debt load is typical for psychology programs and won't overwhelm graduates in the long run, but that first-year salary barely covers living expenses in DC. Ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally (though 40th in DC, where psychology salaries generally run lower) means most graduates elsewhere earn considerably more right out of college. The four-year earnings eventually surpass the national median by a wide margin, but families should prepare for a financially tight transition period after graduation.

This program makes sense primarily for students who have a clear path to leverage that psychology degree—whether through graduate school, specific internships, or connections that will accelerate their career trajectory past that difficult first year. Without such a plan, the initial earnings gap creates real financial stress that not every graduate can weather comfortably.