Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's Behavioral Sciences bachelor's shows a debt load that looks manageable—estimated at $25,500 against first-year earnings around $35,400 based on comparable programs nationally. That 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well below the concerning 1.0 threshold, suggesting graduates should be able to handle loan payments without severe financial strain. The debt figure is also notably lower than what similar programs in Texas typically carry, where the state median sits at $38,497.

The earnings estimate of $35,410 aligns closely with both national and Texas medians for this field, which makes sense given UT Austin's strong academic profile (29% admission rate, 1380 average SAT). Behavioral sciences as a field tends toward modest starting salaries regardless of institution, and these figures reflect that reality. The two other Texas programs with reported data show a similar range, with outcomes spanning from about $33,000 to $38,000.

For parents evaluating this investment, the key question is whether these entry-level earnings align with your child's career plans. The debt burden appears reasonable, but behavioral sciences graduates often need additional credentials for higher-paying roles in psychology, social work, or related fields. If graduate school is on the horizon, factor those additional costs into your calculations. The program's value depends heavily on what comes next—it's a foundation, not typically a terminal degree for maximizing earnings.