Research and Experimental Psychology at LeTourneau University

A debt load of $24,375 against first-year earnings around $35,000 might sound manageable, but for a psychology bachelor's degree, this warrants careful consideration. Peer programs nationally produce median earnings of $34,768—essentially identical to what LeTourneau graduates likely face—which means you're looking at a 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's higher than the national median debt of $21,500 for these programs, and it matters because psychology bachelor's degrees rarely lead directly to high-paying careers without graduate school.

The challenge isn't unique to LeTourneau. Similar programs in Texas hover around $36,000 in first-year earnings, so the estimated figure here tracks with state norms. But psychology undergrads typically need master's or doctoral credentials to access clinical, counseling, or research positions that justify the investment. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation—in social services, HR, or related fields—they'll be managing that debt on an entry-level salary that may climb slowly.

The bottom line: this program likely costs more in debt than comparable psychology programs while producing similar earnings outcomes. If graduate school is the plan, those costs stack. If it's not, make sure your child understands what $35,000 really buys in today's job market for psychology majors, and whether the extra $3,000 in debt is worth whatever LeTourneau offers beyond the degree itself.