Psychology at Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State graduates with psychology degrees earn about $28,000 in their first year—roughly 10% below the Texas median and 30% less than what top programs like UT Permian Basin produce. However, the debt picture tells a more encouraging story. At $15,452, graduates leave with 36% less debt than the Texas median and 40% less than the national benchmark. This results in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning graduates owe about half their annual salary—well below concerning thresholds.

The program serves a predominantly low-income student population (52% receive Pell grants) at an open-access institution, and the low debt burden matters significantly for these students. While earnings trail state averages, avoiding the $24,000+ debt loads typical of Texas psychology programs gives graduates more financial breathing room early in their careers. That said, the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes may vary considerably from these medians.

For families prioritizing affordability over peak earning potential, Sul Ross delivers a reasonably priced psychology degree. Just understand that career advancement in this field typically requires graduate school, and starting earnings will be modest compared to peers at more competitive programs.