Program Analysis
Graduates of Rice University's Psychology program earn $41,299/yr in their first year — 30% above the $31,705 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
The financial case is thin at 2.7x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Psychology's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.
At $12,505 in median debt against $41,299 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #261 of 926 Psychology programs, Rice University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $67,648 show a 64% jump from the $41,299 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.