Analysis
University at Buffalo's psychology program stands out for its exceptional earnings growth, with graduates seeing a 44% salary increase from $31,351 to $45,154 between their first and fourth years post-graduation. This trajectory significantly outpaces typical psychology programs and suggests strong alumni networks or career services that help graduates advance into better-paying positions over time.
The financial picture is reasonable despite below-average starting salaries. With $20,830 in median debt—notably lower than both the national ($25,500) and New York state ($25,000) averages for psychology programs—students graduate with manageable financial obligations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 means most graduates can realistically handle their loan payments, even with the modest starting salary that ranks in the 40th percentile among New York psychology programs.
While UB's psychology graduates don't command top starting salaries compared to elite programs like CUNY's Graduate School ($48,299), the combination of lower debt and strong earnings growth creates a solid value proposition. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and for families seeking an affordable path to a psychology degree with genuine career advancement potential, this program delivers practical value over marketing prestige.
Where University at Buffalo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University at Buffalo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University at Buffalo | $31,351 | $45,154 | +44% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University at BuffaloBuffalo | $10,782 | $31,351 | $45,154 | $20,830 | 0.66 |
 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 University at Buffalo, 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 365 graduates with reported earnings and 550 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.