Analysis
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg's psychology program offers solid value for students who might otherwise struggle to access quality higher education. With a 98% admission rate and moderate debt levels, this program provides an accessible path to above-average outcomes in a competitive field.
The numbers tell an encouraging story: graduates earn $34,377 in their first year, climbing to nearly $48,000 by year fourโa 39% increase that outpaces many bachelor's programs. While this ranks in the 73rd percentile nationally for psychology programs, it sits closer to the middle (60th percentile) among Pennsylvania schools, where competition is fierce from elite institutions like Bucknell and Gettysburg that produce $50,000+ earners. The $26,000 median debt burden is reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76.
For families concerned about college access and affordability, this program delivers meaningful career preparation without excessive financial risk. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate into career advancement. While it won't match the earning power of Pennsylvania's top-tier programs, it offers a realistic pathway to middle-class employment for students who might not qualify for more selective institutions.
Where University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg 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 of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $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)
Scroll to see more โ
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,630 | $34,377 | $47,793 | $26,000 | 0.76 | |
| $64,772 | $51,645 | $50,805 | $27,000 | 0.52 | |
| $64,230 | $50,040 | $50,611 | $27,000 | 0.54 | |
| $62,180 | $40,942 | $60,072 | $21,160 | 0.52 | |
| $60,663 | $39,866 | $51,752 | $30,000 | 0.75 | |
| $42,600 | $39,818 | $33,268 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | โ | $31,482 | โ | $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 of Pittsburgh-Greensburg, approximately 38% 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.