Psychology at Touro University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Touro University's psychology program delivers surprisingly strong early earnings despite the degree being in a traditionally lower-paying field. At nearly $39,000 in the first year, graduates earn 24% more than the national psychology median and 23% more than New York's state average—putting them ahead of 95% of psychology programs nationally. The modest $20,500 debt load means graduates owe just over half their first-year salary, a manageable ratio compared to most psychology programs.
The 60th percentile ranking within New York tells a more nuanced story: while Touro outperforms most psychology programs nationwide, it sits in the middle of the pack among New York schools specifically, where several CUNY campuses achieve higher outcomes. More concerning is the slight earnings decline by year four, dropping to $37,736. This isn't catastrophic—we're talking about a 3% dip, not a freefall—but it suggests graduates may be hitting early career plateaus in roles that don't offer much advancement without additional credentials.
For families considering this program, the value depends on career goals. If your child plans to enter the workforce immediately in entry-level psychology-adjacent roles (human services, case management), the combination of above-average starting pay and below-average debt makes sense. If they're planning graduate school—which most psychology careers ultimately require—this provides a relatively affordable launching pad. Just understand that bachelor's-level psychology roles typically don't show strong wage growth without further education.
Where Touro 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 Touro University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Touro University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 95th 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 New York
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touro University | $38,918 | $37,736 | $20,500 | 0.53 |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center | $48,299 | $41,272 | $19,462 | 0.40 |
| Excelsior University | $43,574 | — | $28,914 | 0.66 |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | $39,868 | $41,004 | $11,700 | 0.29 |
| Empire State University | $39,188 | $40,013 | $29,050 | 0.74 |
| CUNY York College | $38,701 | $51,937 | $11,000 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York | $7,410 | $48,299 | $19,462 |
| Excelsior University Albany | — | $43,574 | $28,914 |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn | $7,352 | $39,868 | $11,700 |
| Empire State University Saratoga Springs | $7,630 | $39,188 | $29,050 |
| CUNY York College Jamaica | $7,358 | $38,701 | $11,000 |
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 Touro University, approximately 32% 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 200 graduates with reported earnings and 243 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.