Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at The College of Saint Rose

The College of Saint Rose psychology program starts rough—$32,008 in that first year ranks below 60% of similar programs nationally and in New York. But here's what matters more: four years out, graduates are earning $49,446, a 55% jump that puts them solidly in the middle of the pack. The $20,500 debt load is notably lighter than both state and national averages, meaning graduates aren't drowning in payments while they build their careers.

That earnings trajectory suggests graduates are finding their footing in the field, likely moving from entry-level positions into roles that value their psychology training. The program sits right at the state median—not exceptional, but competitive with most other New York schools outside of powerhouses like Baruch. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 is manageable, especially given the strong growth pattern.

The main caveat: we're looking at a small sample size here, so these numbers might shift with more data. For a parent, this looks like a reasonable bet if your student is committed to psychology and plans to pursue graduate work or gain experience in the field. The moderate debt and improving earnings suggest this won't close doors, even if it doesn't open them as wide as higher-ranked programs.