Psychology at Austin College

Austin College's psychology graduates start at just $23,054—landing in the bottom 5th percentile nationally and well below the $31,000 Texas median. While earnings jump 75% by year four to reach $40,233, that first year presents genuine financial challenges, especially when servicing $25,000 in student debt. To put this in perspective, top Texas programs like UT Permian Basin see graduates earning nearly double right out of the gate.

The silver lining is meaningful earnings growth that eventually outpaces most Texas psychology programs by year four. However, that initial period matters enormously for loan repayment and financial independence. The sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), which means individual outcomes vary widely and these numbers may not be representative.

For families considering this path: if your child has strong graduate school ambitions where that eventual $40,000 provides a stable launching pad, this trajectory could work. But if they need immediate earning power after graduation, the first-year reality here is considerably tougher than what you'll find at most Texas schools. The debt load is manageable relative to later earnings, but bridging that first year requires either family support or a clear plan for additional income.