Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,377
73rd percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$26,000
2% above national median

Analysis

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's psychology program stands out for its impressive earnings growth trajectory, with graduates seeing their income jump 39% from $34,377 to $47,793 between years one and four after graduation. This growth pattern significantly outpaces what you'll find at most psychology programs nationwide, where earnings often plateau early.

The financial fundamentals look solid. Starting salaries rank in the 73rd percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Pennsylvania's 83 psychology programs—respectable performance that puts graduates ahead of most peers. The $26,000 debt load sits slightly below both national and state medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76. While the program doesn't match elite schools like Bucknell ($51,645) or Gettysburg ($50,040), it delivers meaningful value at a more accessible price point.

For families considering psychology degrees—often criticized for weak earning potential—this program offers a compelling alternative to the typical narrative. The combination of reasonable debt, above-average starting salaries, and strong earnings momentum suggests graduates are finding career paths that reward experience and skill development. Given the 91% admission rate, this represents an attainable option for students who want to study psychology without the crushing debt burdens or limited earning potential that plague many programs in this field.

Where University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford$34,377$47,793+39%
Dickinson College$37,227$62,695+68%
Lafayette College$36,235$60,657+67%
Lehigh University$40,942$60,072+47%
Villanova University$35,462$57,566+62%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (83 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Pittsburgh-BradfordBradford$14,620$34,377$47,793$26,0000.76
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg$64,772$51,645$50,805$27,0000.52
Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg$64,230$50,040$50,611$27,0000.54
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$40,942$60,072$21,1600.52
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$39,866$51,752$30,0000.75
King's CollegeWilkes-Barre$42,600$39,818$33,268$27,0000.68
National Median—$31,482—$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 of Pittsburgh-Bradford, approximately 46% 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 341 graduates with reported earnings and 567 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.