Analysis
Texas Tech's psychology graduates earn $42,334 four years out—about 37% above the Texas median for this major and nearly $8,000 more than the national benchmark. That 60th percentile ranking among Texas programs is meaningful when you consider the state has 72 schools offering psychology degrees. While students here aren't matching the earnings at UT Permian Basin or TCU, they're clearing a significantly higher bar than most state peers, and doing so with relatively manageable debt of $23,250.
The trajectory matters here. Starting at $33,647 may feel modest, but the 26% earnings growth over four years suggests these graduates are finding their footing in careers that reward experience. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 isn't exceptional, but it's workable—graduates owe less than they'll earn in their first year, which puts repayment within reach for most students.
For a psychology degree at a school with a 71% admission rate, this represents solid value. You're getting above-average outcomes at a price point that won't require heroic financial sacrifices. The robust sample size means these numbers reliably reflect the actual graduate experience, not outliers.
Where Texas Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Tech University 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 Tech University | $33,647 | $42,334 | +26% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,852 | $33,647 | $42,334 | $23,250 | 0.69 | |
| $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 Tech University, approximately 26% 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 197 graduates with reported earnings and 280 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.