Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,101
39th percentile (40th in TX)
Median Debt
$19,619
23% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.65
Manageable
Sample Size
52
Adequate data

Analysis

West Texas A&M's psychology graduates start below the Texas median but post impressive gains over four years, with earnings jumping 30% to reach $39,084—well above what typical psychology graduates earn after the same time period. The key advantage here is debt: at $19,619, your child would borrow roughly $5,000 less than the Texas median and nearly $6,000 less than the national median, creating a manageable debt load even during those leaner early years. While earnings at the one-year mark fall slightly below state averages, the program ranks squarely in the middle among Texas psychology programs (40th percentile), meaning half of programs deliver worse outcomes.

The real question is whether those initial lower earnings matter for your family's situation. A graduate starting at $30,000 would face monthly loan payments of roughly $200—tight but feasible with careful budgeting. The strong upward trajectory suggests graduates are finding better positions as they gain experience, likely moving beyond entry-level roles faster than peers. For families prioritizing affordability and seeing psychology as a launching pad rather than a terminal degree, this combination of low debt and solid growth makes sense. For students expecting to pursue graduate school anyway, the modest debt burden preserves future borrowing capacity.

Where West Texas A & M University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

West Texas A & M UniversityOther psychology programs

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 West Texas A & M University graduates compare to all programs nationally

West Texas A & M University graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 39th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
West Texas A & M University$30,101$39,084$19,6190.65
The University of Texas Permian Basin$46,009$50,137$21,7310.47
Texas Christian University$42,108$48,796$23,4120.56
Rice University$41,299$57,256$12,5050.30
Southern Methodist University$38,115$52,450$23,3100.61
University of St Thomas$37,572$21,4680.57
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 West Texas A & M University, approximately 39% 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 52 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.