Psychology at Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin's psychology program starts graduates at below-average earnings—$30,424 ranks in just the 40th percentile among Texas psychology programs—but shows impressive upward momentum. By year four, graduates reach $42,351, nearly matching what Texas Christian University grads earn right out of the gate. That 39% earnings growth suggests graduates successfully leverage their degree into better-paying roles, whether through graduate school, career pivots, or advancement within their field.

The $24,500 debt load sits slightly below both state and national averages, creating manageable repayment scenarios even with the modest starting salary. First-year earnings cover 81 cents per dollar of debt, a reasonable position for a psychology bachelor's that improves considerably as earnings climb. For families already stretched thin—37% of students here receive Pell grants—this combination of accessible admission (88% acceptance rate) and controlled debt matters significantly.

The central question is whether your student can weather those first few years of below-average earnings while building toward the stronger mid-career numbers. If they're committed to graduate school or strategic about entry-level positioning, this program offers a cost-effective foundation. But students expecting immediate post-graduation earnings should know they'll start behind peers at UT Permian Basin or TCU, even if they eventually close much of that gap.