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
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.