Psychology at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Texas A&M-San Antonio psychology graduates earn just above the median for both Texas and the nation—placing at the 60th percentile statewide—but the standout here is the debt load. At $17,897, graduates leave with roughly $7,000 less debt than the typical Texas psychology major and nearly $8,000 below the national figure. This lands in the 95th percentile for low debt nationally, an unusual position for a program serving predominantly working-class students (51% receive Pell grants). The 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point even if psychology salaries remain modest.

The earnings reality is straightforward: $32,858 puts graduates within reach of peers at programs like UT Permian Basin or Rice, but still $8,000-13,000 behind those top performers in year one. Whether that gap persists or narrows over time matters greatly, particularly since psychology careers often require graduate education for higher earning potential. The accessible admissions (92% acceptance rate) and reasonable debt suggest this program works as an affordable entry point, especially for students who plan to stay in Texas and may pursue advanced degrees later.

For families prioritizing debt minimization while obtaining a recognizable credential, this program accomplishes that goal. The first-year earnings won't impress, but the financial foundation is solid enough to make graduate school or career pivots realistic options.