Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,890
Est. from national median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (5 programs)

Analysis

A psychology bachelor's from Concordia University Texas appears to carry substantially more debt than typical programs in this field nationwide. While comparable programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, the estimated $26,000 in student loans here sits well above the national median of $16,500 for psychology bachelor's programs. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 means your child would owe roughly 70% of their first year's salary—manageable, but requiring careful budgeting.

The challenge with psychology bachelor's degrees generally is that many career paths require graduate school, and starting with $26,000 in undergraduate debt complicates that trajectory. Similar programs nationwide show a wide earnings range, with top performers reaching $47,000 while many cluster in the mid-to-high thirties. Given Concordia's open admission profile and the field's modest starting salaries, you're looking at a credential that may serve best as a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree.

The key question is whether your child plans to continue to graduate school immediately or work first. If they're heading straight into a master's or doctoral program, this debt load becomes part of a larger financial picture that could easily exceed $50,000 total. If they plan to work, entry-level psychology-adjacent jobs in Austin—in social services, HR, or similar fields—should make the debt serviceable, though not comfortable. The relatively high debt relative to national peers makes this a program where direct conversation with financial aid about actual costs matters more than usual.

Where Concordia University Texas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Psychology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Concordia University TexasAustin$36,690$36,890*—$26,000*—
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$47,672*—$18,200*0.38
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie$46,140$47,348*$60,881$26,000*0.55
Northwestern UniversityEvanston$65,997$36,890*$59,494$11,630*0.32
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$31,345*$53,727$14,745*0.47
Montreat CollegeMontreat$33,860$29,234*$35,005—*—
National Median—$36,890*—$16,472*0.45
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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 Concordia University Texas, approximately 40% 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 national median of 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.