Analysis
University of Houston's psychology program shows impressive earnings momentum that sets it apart from typical bachelor's psychology outcomes. While graduates start at $32,653—slightly above both national and Texas medians—their earnings jump 42% to $46,311 by year four, essentially matching the state's top-performing programs like UT Permian Basin. This trajectory suggests the program effectively prepares students for career advancement, whether through graduate school preparation or direct entry into growing fields.
The financial picture is particularly attractive compared to state peers. At $20,500 in median debt, UH psychology graduates borrow about $3,500 less than the typical Texas psychology student and $5,000 less than the national average. Combined with solid starting salaries, this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63—well below concerning levels. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas psychology programs for earnings, which is respectable performance at a school with accessible admission standards.
For anxious parents, this represents a solid value play: your child gets strong career preparation at a fraction of the debt load seen elsewhere, with earnings that quickly catch up to more expensive alternatives. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence to these outcomes.
Where University of Houston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston 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 | $32,653 | $46,311 | +42% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,711 | $32,653 | $46,311 | $20,500 | 0.63 | |
| $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, approximately 41% 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 507 graduates with reported earnings and 652 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.