Psychology at Rice University

Rice psychology graduates start at $41,299—nearly $10,000 above the Texas median and far exceeding most peer programs in the state. More impressive is the trajectory: earnings jump 39% to $57,256 by year four, a pattern that suggests these graduates are successfully leveraging Rice's elite network and reputation to advance beyond entry-level positions. With just $12,505 in debt (roughly half the state average), the financial foundation here is exceptionally strong.

The caveat matters though: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary more than the numbers suggest. Still, even accounting for statistical noise, the fundamentals are compelling. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within months while building savings. Among Texas psychology programs, Rice ranks in the 80th percentile—trailing only UT Permian Basin but ahead of comparable private universities like TCU and SMU.

For families who can navigate Rice's 8% admission rate, this represents one of the lowest-risk psychology programs in Texas. The combination of minimal debt and strong earning potential creates unusual financial flexibility for graduates, whether they pursue immediate employment, graduate school, or nonprofit work. The small sample size means you should talk to actual alumni, but the available evidence points toward strong outcomes.