Psychology at University of Mount Saint Vincent

Mount Saint Vincent's psychology program starts below both state and national medians at $30,956, landing in the 40th percentile among New York schools. But here's what sets it apart: that first-year figure jumps to $42,806 by year four—a 38% increase that outpaces most psychology programs. While graduates initially earn less than the typical New York psychology major, they're catching up quickly and surpassing many peers within a few years.

The $26,000 debt load sits right at the national norm, creating a manageable first-year ratio of 0.84. For a school serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (43%), these numbers suggest decent accessibility. The concerning piece is that even after strong growth, four-year earnings still trail the state's top performers by $5,000-$15,000. CUNY options and Excelsior consistently deliver better returns from day one.

For families weighing this investment: the trajectory matters more than the starting point here. If your student is resilient about entry-level earnings and can leverage the degree into positions with growth potential, the math improves significantly. But if immediate post-graduation income is critical—perhaps to service other debts or support family—starting 20% below comparable New York programs creates real financial pressure during those first two years.