Phillip EdwinTexas offers a diverse and expanding landscape for psychology education, with programs that cater to a wide range of career goals, from clinical practice and research to human resources and business. The state’s institutions are recognized for their strong graduate outcomes, with many schools offering excellent return on investment and exceptional opportunities for students from all backgrounds. Whether you are seeking a top-tier research university, a faith-based institution with a nationally ranked online program, or a school that prioritizes social mobility, Texas has a program to meet your goals.
Top 20 Psychology Schools In Texas
1. Rice University (Houston)
Rice University’s psychology program is consistently a top performer in Texas, leading the state with graduate earnings averaging $57,256, which is well above the state average of $40,752 . This prestigious private institution offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of careers, emphasizing both research and practical application. The program’s strong alumni network and reputation for academic excellence make it a top choice for students seeking a high-return education in psychology.
2. University of Texas at Austin (Austin)
The University of Texas at Austin is home to a top-ranked Department of Psychology, with its Clinical Psychology program ranked #15 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2026 . The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) . It follows a mentorship model, accepting a small cohort of 5-10 students from hundreds of applicants to ensure close faculty supervision and is known for its research excellence.
3. Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
Southern Methodist University offers a psychology program that produces graduates earning an average of $52,450 . Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, SMU provides students with strong industry connections and opportunities for internships in a major metropolitan area. The program is known for its balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for success in diverse fields.
4. University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa)
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s psychology program ranks highly for graduate earnings, with graduates earning an average of $50,137 . This demonstrates that strong career outcomes are achievable at institutions beyond the state’s most prestigious names. The program’s affordability and focus on practical skills make it an excellent choice for students in West Texas.
5. Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Dallas, Houston)
Texas Woman’s University is recognized as a leader in psychology education, with its undergraduate psychology program ranked #2 among North Texas public universities and #8 among Texas public institutions, placing it in the top 40% of programs nationally. The university is also lauded for its commitment to social mobility, making it an excellent choice for students seeking an accessible education that leads to strong career outcomes.
6. University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson)
The University of Texas at Dallas’s School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences offers highly regarded graduate programs, including a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology. The MS program is research-focused, designed for full-time students who wish to expand their knowledge and engage in advanced research training, often as preparation for doctoral programs . The school is home to several research centers, including the Center for BrainHealth and the Center for Children and Families.
7. Texas A&M University (College Station)
Texas A&M University’s psychology program is a strong performer, with graduates earning a median of $72,097 a decade after enrolling . While this high earning figure may reflect outcomes for graduates across multiple disciplines, it underscores the university’s overall strength and the value of a degree from this prestigious institution. The university’s large alumni network and career services provide robust support for students entering the job market.
8. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
Texas Christian University offers a psychology program that produces graduates earning a median of $68,424 a decade after enrolling . TCU’s smaller class sizes and private university setting allow for personalized attention and mentorship from faculty. The program is known for its strong academic quality, making it a valuable option for students seeking a comprehensive education in psychology.
9. East Texas Baptist University (Marshall)
East Texas Baptist University’s psychology program ranks #16 on CollegeRanker’s list for Texas, with a composite score led by social mobility (83/100) . Graduates earn a median of $52,788 a decade after enrolling, demonstrating a solid return on investment in a supportive, faith-based environment . The university is known for its commitment to student success and community engagement.
10. Sam Houston State University (Huntsville)
Sam Houston State University’s psychology program ranks #18 on CollegeRanker’s list, with a high social mobility score (83/100) and a strong value proposition. With a net price of $16,404, graduates earn a median of $54,211 a decade after enrolling. The university serves a large student population and offers accessible, high-quality education.
11. Angelo State University (San Angelo)
Angelo State University’s psychology program ranks #17 on CollegeRanker’s list, offering excellent value with a net price of $15,091 . Graduates earn a median of $50,116 a decade after enrolling. The university is a strong performer in social mobility (81/100), making it an ideal choice for students seeking an affordable education that leads to meaningful career opportunities.
12. Abilene Christian University (Abilene)
Abilene Christian University’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology program is ranked #18 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025 and is the only nationally recognized psychology program in Texas. This ranking highlights ACU’s commitment to providing high-quality, flexible education for working professionals and students seeking a strong foundation in observation, communication, and analysis.
13. University of Houston-Clear Lake (Houston)
The University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Department of Psychological and Behavioral Health Sciences offers a range of graduate-level programs, including a PsyD in Health Service Psychology (Clinical Psychology/School Psychology) and an MA in Clinical Psychology. These programs are designed for students interested in professional clinical training, with many leading to licensure as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
14. Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)
Texas A&M University-Commerce offers a strong undergraduate psychology program and a minor in psychology designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field . The program is designed to allow students to tailor their education to their interests, with a range of courses including Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology.
15. Texas A&M International University (Laredo)
Texas A&M International University offers a psychology minor and undergraduate psychology coursework designed to provide students with a foundation in human behavior . Located in the border region, the university serves a diverse student population and prepares students for careers that address the unique needs of the community.
16. Dallas Baptist University (Dallas)
Dallas Baptist University’s psychology program ranks #20 on CollegeRanker’s list, with a high social mobility score (82/100) and graduates earning a median of $56,807 a decade after enrolling . The program is known for its strong sense of community and its integration of faith and learning, making it a popular choice for students seeking a values-based education.
17. East Texas A&M University (Commerce)
East Texas A&M University’s psychology program ranks #21 on CollegeRanker’s list, with the highest social mobility score (92/100) in the group . Graduates earn a median of $50,296 a decade after enrolling, and the university’s net price is remarkably low at $11,841 . This makes it an exceptionally affordable option that yields a solid return on investment for students from all backgrounds.
18. University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso)
The University of Texas at El Paso offers psychology programs that serve the border region, providing a unique perspective on issues related to psychology and community health. The university is known for its accessible education and strong ties to the local community.
19. University of North Texas (Denton)
The University of North Texas offers a comprehensive psychology program that provides students with a strong foundation in psychological science. The university is known for its research opportunities and its commitment to student success.
20. Texas State University (San Marcos)
Texas State University offers a psychology program that prepares students for careers in counseling, research, and human services. The university’s location in the Austin-San Antonio corridor provides students with access to numerous internship and job opportunities.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice University | Houston | Highest graduate earnings ($57,256) |
| 2 | UT Austin | Austin | #15 Clinical Psychology PhD (U.S. News 2026) |
| 3 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | $52,450 graduate earnings |
| 4 | UT Permian Basin | Odessa | $50,137 graduate earnings |
| 5 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton | #2 among North Texas public universities |
| 6 | UT Dallas | Richardson | MS and PhD programs, research centers |
| 7 | Texas A&M University | College Station | High earnings, strong alumni network |
| 8 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | $68,424 median earnings, private university |
| 9 | East Texas Baptist University | Marshall | High social mobility (83/100) |
| 10 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | $16,404 net price, accessible education |
| 11 | Angelo State University | San Angelo | $15,091 net price, affordable option |
| 12 | Abilene Christian University | Abilene | #18 Best Online Psychology Program nationally |
| 13 | UH-Clear Lake | Houston | PsyD, MA Clinical Psychology, graduate programs |
| 14 | Texas A&M-Commerce | Commerce | Psychology minor, diverse course offerings |
| 15 | Texas A&M International | Laredo | Border region focus, diverse student body |
| 16 | Dallas Baptist University | Dallas | $56,807 median earnings, faith-based |
| 17 | East Texas A&M University | Commerce | Highest social mobility (92/100) |
| 18 | UT El Paso | El Paso | Border region focus, accessible education |
| 19 | University of North Texas | Denton | Research opportunities, strong academic foundation |
| 20 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Austin–San Antonio corridor access |
Success Tips for Choosing a Psychology School
Start by considering your career goals, as psychology offers diverse pathways from clinical practice and research to business and human resources. For students interested in clinical psychology, UT Austin’s top-15 ranked Clinical PhD program offers excellent research training and APA accreditation.
If you are a working professional seeking flexibility, Abilene Christian University offers a #18 nationally ranked online Bachelor of Science in psychology program.
Evaluate each school’s return on investment; programs like Rice University, with its $57,256 average earnings, and Texas A&M, with its $72,097 median earnings, demonstrate strong outcomes.
For students from low-income backgrounds, schools with high social mobility scores like East Texas A&M University (92/100) and Sam Houston State University (83/100) are excellent choices.
Finally, consider the school’s location and available opportunities, as schools in major metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin offer access to internships and a strong job market.
Closing
Texas provides a comprehensive and diverse selection of psychology schools, from nationally renowned research universities like UT Austin to highly accessible and mobile institutions like East Texas A&M University. Whether you are seeking a top-ranked clinical program, a flexible online degree, or an affordable education with strong career outcomes, Texas has a program to match your goals. Note that all information, including rankings and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through official sources.