Psychology at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's psychology program offers a compelling combination of manageable debt and strong earnings growth that sets it apart from typical psychology programs. With graduates earning $40,811 by their fourth year—representing a robust 40% increase from their starting salary—this program demonstrates real career momentum that many psychology degrees lack.

The debt picture is particularly attractive: at $22,751, graduates borrow about $2,250 less than the state median and nearly $3,000 less than the national average. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years of graduation. While first-year earnings of $29,099 trail both state and national medians slightly, the strong upward trajectory more than compensates for this slower start.

Among Texas psychology programs, UTSA ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings—solidly middle-of-the-pack but well behind top performers like UT Permian Basin ($46,009). However, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth creates a favorable risk-return profile. For families concerned about psychology's reputation for limited earning potential, UTSA's program offers a practical path forward with reasonable debt levels and demonstrated income progression that makes this degree financially viable.