Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Analysis
Texas A&M-Kingsville's psychology program performs solidly in the middle of the pack, placing at the 60th percentile among Texas schools and 64th nationally—respectable outcomes for a program serving a predominantly working-class student body (55% receive Pell grants). Graduates earn $33,220 in their first year, about $2,000 more than both the state and national medians, while carrying debt levels roughly in line with other psychology programs at $25,800. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 is manageable, meaning graduates should be able to handle monthly payments on a typical entry-level salary.
The earnings trajectory looks encouraging: graduates see their income rise to $39,371 by year four, an increase of 19%. While this program won't match the $46,000 starting salaries at UT Permian Basin, it delivers consistent value for students who need an accessible institution (92% admission rate) without accumulating excessive debt. The moderate sample size suggests stable data without being a tiny program.
For families considering this program, the calculation is straightforward: your child will likely earn slightly above-average salaries for psychology majors while taking on typical debt loads. If they're planning graduate school—as many psychology majors do—keeping undergraduate debt under $26,000 is actually strategic. This program represents a solid foundation rather than a standout opportunity, which may be exactly what your family needs.
Where Texas A&M University-Kingsville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-Kingsville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | $33,220 | $39,371 | +19% |
| Rice University | $41,299 | $57,256 | +39% |
| Southern Methodist University | $38,115 | $52,450 | +38% |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | $46,009 | $50,137 | +9% |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $33,331 | $48,961 | +47% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,892 | $33,220 | $39,371 | $25,800 | 0.78 | |
| $10,904 | $46,009 | $50,137 | $21,731 | 0.47 | |
| $57,220 | $42,108 | $48,796 | $23,412 | 0.56 | |
| $58,128 | $41,299 | $57,256 | $12,505 | 0.30 | |
| $64,460 | $38,115 | $52,450 | $23,310 | 0.61 | |
| $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
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
Explore Related Programs
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 Texas A&M University-Kingsville, approximately 55% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.