Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,653
59th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$20,500
20% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$32,653$46,311$20,5000.63
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, 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.