Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,289
72nd percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$26,359
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.77
Manageable
Sample Size
95
Adequate data

Analysis

A UH-Victoria psychology degree shows exactly what affordable public education can accomplish. At just over $26,000 in debt, graduates earn $34,289 in their first year—outperforming 72% of psychology programs nationwide and 60% in Texas. That's above both national and state medians despite an admission rate above 75%.

The trajectory here matters as much as the starting point. Earnings jump 31% to nearly $45,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are building real careers rather than churning through entry-level positions. This growth pattern is particularly notable for a field where many graduates struggle to convert their degree into wage gains. The debt load is manageable enough that graduates aren't buried while they're establishing themselves professionally.

Context is important: psychology degrees don't typically produce high earners, and this program won't change that reality. But compared to paying similar amounts at other Texas schools for weaker outcomes—or paying significantly more at places like TCU or SMU for marginally better results—UH-Victoria delivers solid value. The 44% Pell Grant rate suggests the university understands its mission is serving students who need education to be both affordable and effective. For a psychology degree, this program checks both boxes.

Where University of Houston-Victoria Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

University of Houston-VictoriaOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston-Victoria graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Houston-Victoria graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 72th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (72 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Houston-Victoria$34,289$44,754$26,3590.77
The University of Texas Permian Basin$46,009$50,137$21,7310.47
Texas Christian University$42,108$48,796$23,4120.56
Rice University$41,299$57,256$12,5050.30
Southern Methodist University$38,115$52,450$23,3100.61
University of St Thomas$37,572—$21,4680.57
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa
$10,904$46,009$21,731
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth
$57,220$42,108$23,412
Rice University
Houston
$58,128$41,299$12,505
Southern Methodist University
Dallas
$64,460$38,115$23,310
University of St Thomas
Houston
$33,660$37,572$21,468

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 University of Houston-Victoria, approximately 44% 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 95 graduates with reported earnings and 122 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.