Psychology at The New School

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.