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 $39,084βwell 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 $200βtight 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
Earnings Distribution
How West Texas A & M University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Texas A & M University | $30,101 | $39,084 | +30% |
| 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 β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,101 | $30,101 | $39,084 | $19,619 | 0.65 | |
| $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 | β | $21,468 | 0.57 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $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 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.