Analysis
William James College's psychology bachelor's degree carries an estimated debt load of $27,000—slightly above the state median—while similar programs in Massachusetts typically produce first-year earnings around $37,000. That 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests roughly nine months of gross income needed to cover what graduates borrow, which falls within manageable territory if employment comes quickly after graduation. However, these figures are extrapolated from peer programs across Massachusetts, not tracked outcomes from William James itself, so there's inherent uncertainty about how closely this school's graduates mirror the broader state picture.
The gap between William James and Massachusetts' top psychology programs is substantial. While comparable programs statewide average $37,000 in first-year earnings, reported outcomes from schools like Bentley ($62,000) and Boston College ($45,000) demonstrate that psychology graduates from certain institutions command significantly higher starting salaries. Whether William James's clinical focus or specialized training produces similar premium outcomes remains unclear without its own reported data.
For anxious parents, the key question is whether William James's particular approach to psychology education—presumably more clinically oriented given the institution's name and mission—translates to career outcomes that justify near-median debt loads. The estimated numbers suggest neither a bargain nor a financial red flag, but without actual graduate data, you're betting on the school's reputation and network in mental health fields rather than documented results.
Where William James College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $36,873* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $58,150 | $62,218* | — | $25,494* | 0.41 | |
| $67,680 | $44,760* | $59,196 | $18,000* | 0.40 | |
| $64,860 | $43,943* | $57,158 | $13,416* | 0.31 | |
| $39,212 | $43,646* | $50,853 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $60,850 | $41,099* | $56,085 | $27,000* | 0.66 | |
| 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 William James College, approximately 35% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 33 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.