Psychology (Bachelor's Degree) at Sul Ross State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$28,156

23rd percentile

40th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$15,452

39% below national median

Analysis

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.

Where Sul Ross State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Sul Ross State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (72 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Sul Ross State UniversityAlpine	$7,592	$28,156	—	$15,452	0.55
The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa	$10,904	$46,009	$50,137	$21,731	0.47
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$42,108	$48,796	$23,412	0.56
Rice UniversityHouston	$58,128	$41,299	$57,256	$12,505	0.30
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas	$64,460	$38,115	$52,450	$23,310	0.61
University of St ThomasHouston	$33,660	$37,572	—	$21,468	0.57
National Median	—	$31,482	—	$25,500	0.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

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.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 Sul Ross State University, approximately 52% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.