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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Texas

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Rice University stands alone among Texas psychology programs with a $12,640 net price that delivers just $30,119 in early career earnings, creating one of the most puzzling value propositions in the state. Meanwhile, public universities like UT Permian Basin offer a stark contrast at $9,144 net cost but produce graduates earning $39,523 annually. The 20 psychology programs across Texas show dramatic variation, with net costs ranging from just $1,113 at Texas A&M Central Texas to $14,623 at University of Houston-Downtown. Psychology graduates in Texas benefit from the state's massive healthcare infrastructure, particularly around Houston's Texas Medical Center, where behavioral health specialists work alongside medical professionals in the world's largest medical complex. The field connects directly to major employers like HCA Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White, both of which integrate mental health services into full patient care.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $30,092
Net Price Range
$29,699
Avg. Program Earnings
50.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $24,035 $6,627 95.7%
2 $3,061 $23,649 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $5,458 $31,495 $3,148 26.8%
4 $9,144 $39,523 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
5 $6,500 $26,977 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
6 $8,624 $33,993 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
7 $11,056 $36,745 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
8 $10,204 $31,495 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
9 $11,429 $32,925 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
10 $14,623 $38,122 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
11 $11,234 $28,779 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
12 $11,268 $27,307 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
13 $12,640 $30,119 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
14 $13,853 $33,001 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
15 $11,882 $28,236 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
16 $12,915 $30,167 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
17 $12,714 $28,236 $14,520 99.2%
18 $10,726 $23,621 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
19 $14,352 $30,854 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
20 $10,948 $22,648 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
21 $12,637 $25,967 $7,930 31.2% 91.5%
22 $16,025 $31,969 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
23 $13,931 $27,497 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
24 $19,710 $38,289 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
25 $17,435 $33,798 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
26 $15,235 $29,290 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
27 $15,137 $28,895 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
28 $15,152 $28,870 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
29 $17,760 $32,925 $31,728 42.4%
30 $16,438 $30,054 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
31 $14,041 $23,340 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
32 $20,071 $32,391 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
33 $20,498 $30,854 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
34 $19,734 $29,685 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
35 $20,261 $30,353 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
36 $19,678 $29,232 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
37 $21,352 $31,133 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
38 $25,314 $36,132 $35,500 61.1% 48.8%
39 $20,924 $29,594 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
40 $22,587 $31,581 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
41 $20,841 $28,960 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
42 $21,031 $28,960 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
43 $23,636 $29,141 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
44 $19,398 $23,803 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
45 $23,650 $28,816 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
46 $19,988 $21,964 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
47 $24,532 $26,836 $18,238 9.1%
48 $25,470 $26,896 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
49 $27,401 $28,236 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
50 $30,092 $27,564 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M Central Texas the most affordable psychology program?

Texas A&M Central Texas offers the lowest net price at just $1,113 annually, making it remarkably accessible for psychology students. The university maintains a 95.71% acceptance rate and keeps in-state tuition at $6,627. However, graduates earn $24,035 early in their careers, which reflects the program's focus on serving local students in the Killeen area. The extremely low net cost results from substantial financial aid packages that reduce the actual cost far below the sticker price.

How do earnings compare between the highest and lowest cost programs?

UT Permian Basin graduates earn $39,523 annually despite a moderate $9,144 net cost, representing the strongest earning potential among Texas psychology programs. This contrasts sharply with the lowest earners at Texas A&M Central Texas, who make $24,035 with just a $1,113 net cost. The $15,488 earnings gap shows that program location and regional job markets significantly impact graduate outcomes. Rice University, despite its elite status, produces psychology graduates earning only $30,119, well below several public university programs.

Is debt load a major concern for Texas psychology students?

Student debt varies considerably, from a low of $11,604 at UT Rio Grande Valley to $25,000 at Texas A&M Kingsville. Most programs keep debt below $20,000, with Rice University managing just $12,505 despite its private status. Texas A&M Central Texas students graduate with $20,110 in debt, which represents a manageable burden given the extremely low net cost. The relatively modest debt levels reflect Texas public universities' commitment to affordability and strong state financial aid programs.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in Texas psychology programs?

Rice University's 8.68% acceptance rate makes it the most selective, yet its psychology graduates earn less than peers at several public universities. Texas A&M Kingsville accepts 96.55% of applicants while producing graduates who earn $31,495, outperforming the elite private school. UT San Antonio maintains reasonable selectivity at 86.90% acceptance while achieving a strong 51.20% graduation rate. The data suggests that selectivity doesn't guarantee better financial outcomes for psychology majors in Texas.

Where do psychology graduates find the best job opportunities in Texas?

Houston emerges as a major center for psychology careers, with multiple universities in the area and proximity to the Texas Medical Center's behavioral health facilities. UT Permian Basin graduates earn the highest salaries at $39,523, likely benefiting from the oil industry's employee assistance programs and occupational health needs in West Texas. University of Houston-Downtown produces graduates earning $38,122, reflecting strong urban job markets and corporate wellness opportunities. The statewide presence of major healthcare employers like HCA Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White creates consistent demand for psychology professionals across Texas.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.