Psychology at University of Maryland-Baltimore County

UMBC's psychology program delivers earnings that substantially exceed both national and state benchmarks, with graduates earning $35,721 in their first year—well above the national median of $31,482. More impressively, earnings jump 36% by year four to reach $48,488, suggesting graduates successfully transition into mid-level positions or pursue advanced credentials. With debt of just $20,500, this program achieves a favorable 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that positions them well for financial stability.

The program ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally but sits at the 60th percentile within Maryland, where competition is fierce. UMBC trails the state's top earners like University of Maryland Global Campus ($42,056) but maintains a cost advantage: UMBC graduates carry $5,000 less debt than the state median while still earning above it. For families weighing options, this combination of lower debt and solid earnings growth matters more than raw starting salary, especially for a psychology degree where many graduates pursue graduate school or build careers through experience rather than immediate high pay.

For a psychology bachelor's degree, UMBC offers strong value. The manageable debt load gives graduates flexibility to pursue graduate education or entry-level positions without financial strain, while the robust earnings trajectory shows the degree opens doors to career advancement.