Analysis
The New School's psychology program shows troubling earnings trajectory despite a solid start. Graduates earn $34,033 in their first year—placing them in the 60th percentile among New York's 92 psychology programs—but earnings then drop to $25,416 by year four. That 25% decline is particularly concerning when top New York programs like CUNY Graduate School ($48,299) and Excelsior ($43,574) demonstrate sustained earning power. Even after adjusting for the program's $26,000 median debt (roughly average for the field), the fourth-year earnings barely exceed the debt amount.
The numbers suggest graduates may struggle to find stable career footing, possibly cycling through entry-level positions or leaving psychology-related work entirely. While The New School attracts a relatively affluent student body (only 15% receive Pell grants) who may have family support during lean years, the economics remain stark: this program costs about the same as competitors but delivers significantly weaker mid-term outcomes.
The small sample size means these figures could shift dramatically year to year, but the pattern warrants serious consideration. If your child is set on The New School for its urban setting or interdisciplinary culture, this psychology degree represents a financial gamble that similar-priced programs elsewhere in New York don't require.
Where The New School Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The New School 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The New School | $34,033 | $25,416 | -25% |
| Cornell University | $36,630 | $64,146 | +75% |
| Fordham University | $28,256 | $58,590 | +107% |
| Binghamton University | $30,023 | $58,122 | +94% |
| Ithaca College | $27,814 | $55,104 | +98% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The New SchoolNew York | $56,386 | $34,033 | $25,416 | $26,000 | 0.76 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $48,299 | $41,272 | $19,462 | 0.40 |
 Excelsior UniversityAlbany | — | $43,574 | — | $28,914 | 0.66 |
 CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn | $7,352 | $39,868 | $41,004 | $11,700 | 0.29 |
 Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs | $7,630 | $39,188 | $40,013 | $29,050 | 0.74 |
 Touro UniversityNew York | $21,810 | $38,918 | $37,736 | $20,500 | 0.53 |
| 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 The New School, approximately 15% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.