Research and Experimental Psychology at Utica University

Utica University's psychology graduates earn significantly less than their peers across New York State. At $31,695 in the first year, they're making about $7,000 below the state median and landing in the bottom quarter of all New York psychology programs. Even four years out, when earnings reach $38,952, they've barely caught up to what the typical New York psychology graduate makes right after graduation. This is particularly stark given that students carry $26,000 in debt—more than both state and national averages for this field.

The relatively low debt burden (19th percentile nationally) offers some silver lining, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.82. The 23% earnings growth shows graduates do make progress over time. However, starting nearly $7,000 behind state peers means playing catch-up for years, and the gap to top-performing New York programs like Columbia or Barnard is substantial.

For families considering this program, understand that you're looking at below-average outcomes in a competitive state market. The debt is manageable, but the earnings lag suggests graduates may struggle more than peers from other New York psychology programs when it comes to loan repayment and financial independence in their twenties. If your child is set on psychology and this school, have frank conversations about graduate school plans or alternative career paths that might improve the financial picture.