Psychology at Wilkes University

Psychology graduates from Wilkes University start at just $29,000—trailing both Pennsylvania's median ($33,400) and ranking in the 40th percentile among the state's 83 programs. Yet here's what matters: earnings jump 45% by year four to nearly $42,000, representing one of the stronger growth trajectories you'll see in this field. At $26,000 in debt, graduates owe slightly less than the typical psychology major in Pennsylvania, making that slow start more manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0.

The challenge is context. Pennsylvania's top psychology programs—Bucknell, Gettysburg, Lehigh—produce graduates earning $40,000-$50,000 right out of the gate. Wilkes students essentially spend their first few years catching up to where peers at stronger programs begin. The 91% admission rate signals accessibility rather than selectivity, which often correlates with fewer high-paying career connections and placement support.

For families prioritizing affordable access to a bachelor's degree, Wilkes won't burden graduates with crushing debt. But if your child has the credentials for Pennsylvania's more competitive psychology programs, those typically deliver better immediate returns. The growth here is real, but it takes time your child might not need to spend elsewhere.