Psychology at University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake psychology graduates earn notably more than their counterparts at most Texas schools—about $5,000 above the state median—while carrying less debt than typical. At $21,952, the debt load is quite manageable relative to first-year earnings of $36,103, meaning graduates owe just over half of what they'll earn in their first year out. This combination places the program in the 84th percentile nationally, outperforming about five-sixths of psychology programs across the country.

The earnings trajectory looks particularly encouraging. Graduates see their income jump 29% by year four, reaching $46,496—competitive with graduates from Texas Christian and not far behind UT Permian Basin, despite UHCL's much lower tuition and more accessible admissions. Given that 44% of students receive Pell grants, this program appears to deliver strong social mobility, helping first-generation and lower-income students access solid middle-class earnings.

For a psychology bachelor's degree specifically—a field often criticized for weak earning potential—these numbers represent real value. Your child won't graduate wealthy, but they'll have reasonable debt and earnings that grow meaningfully over time. If they're committed to psychology and want to stay in Texas, this program delivers better outcomes than most alternatives at a fraction of the cost of private universities.