Analysis
Widener's psychology graduates start at $37,224—landing in the 91st percentile nationally but the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania schools. That gap tells an important story: while this program significantly outperforms psychology programs nationwide, it's firmly middle-of-the-pack when competing for jobs in Pennsylvania's tight regional market alongside elite liberal arts colleges and research universities.
The trajectory improves considerably, with earnings jumping 38% to over $51,000 by year four. At $27,000 in debt—matching the state median but slightly above the national benchmark—graduates face manageable monthly payments relative to that four-year income. However, the moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest, and psychology typically requires graduate school for higher-earning career paths.
For families paying Widener's full freight, this represents reasonable preparation for entry-level psychology work or graduate programs, but not the premium outcomes you'd see at nearby Bucknell or Gettysburg. The debt load is reasonable enough that it shouldn't close doors to further education if your child discovers they need a master's degree or clinical licensure to reach their career goals.
Where Widener University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Widener University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widener University | $37,224 | $51,254 | +38% |
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Widener UniversityChester | $53,638 | $37,224 | $51,254 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
 Bucknell UniversityLewisburg | $64,772 | $51,645 | $50,805 | $27,000 | 0.52 |
 Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg | $64,230 | $50,040 | $50,611 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $40,942 | $60,072 | $21,160 | 0.52 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $39,866 | $51,752 | $30,000 | 0.75 |
 King's CollegeWilkes-Barre | $42,600 | $39,818 | $33,268 | $27,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $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 Widener University, approximately 25% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.