Psychology at University of Houston
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Houston graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 59th 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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | $32,653 | $46,311 | $20,500 | 0.63 |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | $46,009 | $50,137 | $21,731 | 0.47 |
| Texas Christian University | $42,108 | $48,796 | $23,412 | 0.56 |
| Rice University | $41,299 | $57,256 | $12,505 | 0.30 |
| Southern Methodist University | $38,115 | $52,450 | $23,310 | 0.61 |
| University of St Thomas | $37,572 | — | $21,468 | 0.57 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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, 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.