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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston-Victoria 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston-Victoria | $34,289 | $44,754 | +31% |
| 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)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,499 | $34,289 | $44,754 | $26,359 | 0.77 | |
| $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 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.