Compare 90 Social Psychology. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $52,123. Top programs: $99,344+.
Social Psychology programs produce graduates earning between $21,508 and $99,344—a $78K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 90 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The name on the diploma matters far less than which specific program you choose.
Topping the list, Dartmouth College's Social Psychology program delivers $99,344 in median graduate earnings—nearly double the $52,123 national average across all 90 programs. Georgia Tech, a public institution, ranks third at $83,012, outperforming household names like Harvard ($70,167) and Yale ($65,752). Program quality, not prestige, is driving these gaps.
Dartmouth grads borrow just $17,500 in student loans and face a 3.1% payment burden—firmly 'Excellent' on Azimuth's GPS affordability scale. For families weighing combined debt, Washington University in St. Louis leads with an 11.9% family burden, landing in the 'Good' tier. The difference underscores why evaluating debt load alongside earnings is essential. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dartmouth CollegePrivate | $99,344 | 71 | $17,500 | Excellent | $44,481 | Manageable |
| #2 | $86,946 | 163 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $83,012 | 27 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $80,873 | 18 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,324 | Manageable | |
| #5 | Tufts UniversityPrivate | $79,571 | 90 | $16,250 | Excellent | $38,325 | Manageable |
| #6 | $75,261 | 189 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Good | |
| #7 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $73,483 | 105 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Manageable |
| #8 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $72,325 | 154 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Manageable |
| #9 | Harvard UniversityPrivate | $70,167 | 66 | $14,000 | Excellent | $28,000 | Manageable |
| #10 | Amherst CollegePrivate | $69,204 | 61 | $13,740 | Excellent | $47,598 | Challenging |
| #11 | Brandeis UniversityPrivate | $67,838 | 114 | $25,648 | Excellent | $35,451 | Challenging |
| #12 | $67,537 | 714 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $66,923 | 17 | $27,000 | Good | $29,276 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $66,171 | 616 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Manageable | |
| #15 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $66,130 | 111 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Challenging |
| #16 | Yale UniversityPrivate | $65,752 | 81 | $12,975 | Excellent | $29,769 | Manageable |
| #17 | Barnard CollegePrivate | $65,644 | 76 | $18,000 | Excellent | $65,000 | High |
| #18 | Vassar CollegePrivate | $65,095 | 53 | $18,625 | Excellent | $44,501 | Challenging |
| #19 | University Of RochesterPrivate | $65,000 | 174 | $21,000 | Excellent | $30,000 | Manageable |
| #20 | $64,904 | 344 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #21 | University Of DelawarePublic | $63,614 | 234 | $24,572 | Good | $43,000 | Challenging |
| #22 | Brown UniversityPrivate | $63,415 | 58 | $11,428 | Excellent | $48,245 | Challenging |
| #23 | New York UniversityPrivate | $63,315 | 530 | $20,500 | Excellent | $64,795 | High |
| #24 | Princeton UniversityPrivate | $63,216 | 36 | $10,320 | Excellent | $41,000 | Challenging |
| #25 | $63,130 | 113 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
