Psychology at University of North Carolina at Pembroke

UNC Pembroke's psychology program starts its graduates at just over $28,000—about 10% below the national median and 4% below North Carolina's typical earnings for psychology majors. While that puts this program in the 40th percentile statewide (middle of the pack among NC's 51 psychology programs), the early earnings lag is notable when you consider that graduates carry $25,376 in debt. The debt burden is reasonable compared to other psychology programs, but that 0.90 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in loans right out of the gate.

The redeeming factor here is strong growth: earnings jump 32% by year four, reaching $37,344. That's meaningful improvement, though it's worth noting this trajectory still leaves graduates below top NC programs like Elon ($36,668) and Wake Forest ($34,823). The moderate sample size and the institution's high admission rate (92%) and Pell grant population (48%) suggest this serves students who may have limited alternatives, making the growth trajectory particularly important.

For families weighing this option, the question is whether your student can manage on $28,000 while paying down debt in those crucial first years. If they can—perhaps with parental support or by living at home—the improving earnings picture makes this workable. But families should recognize they're accepting below-average early outcomes in exchange for accessibility and eventual progression toward respectable mid-career earnings.