Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,289
72nd percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$26,359
3% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Houston-VictoriaVictoria$7,499$34,289$44,754$26,3590.77
The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa$10,904$46,009$50,137$21,7310.47
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$42,108$48,796$23,4120.56
Rice UniversityHouston$58,128$41,299$57,256$12,5050.30
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$38,115$52,450$23,3100.61
University of St ThomasHouston$33,660$37,572$21,4680.57
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.