Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Atenas University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Atenas University's nursing program sits at an unusual crossroads: it ranks in the 80th percentile among Puerto Rico nursing programs while landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. That gap tells the real story here—nursing salaries in Puerto Rico run dramatically lower than mainland wages, with the state median at $16,742 versus $74,888 nationally.
The positive angle is genuine. Your child would graduate with just $6,652 in debt—among the lowest 5% nationally—and see earnings jump 48% by year four to $31,709. That debt load is manageable even at Puerto Rico wage levels, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31. The program serves a predominantly low-income student body (81% Pell recipients) and delivers better outcomes than four-fifths of Puerto Rico nursing programs.
The limitation is ceiling, not floor. Even the top nursing program in Puerto Rico (Universidad del Sagrado Corazon at $36,836) earns less than half the mainland median. If your child plans to stay in Puerto Rico, this program offers solid value with minimal debt risk. But if mainland nursing jobs are the goal after graduation, understand you're starting from a significant earnings disadvantage compared to stateside nursing graduates, even though the credential transfers.
Where Atenas University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
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 Atenas University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Atenas University graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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 Puerto Rico
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (40 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atenas University | $21,383 | $31,709 | $6,652 | 0.31 |
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon | $36,836 | $57,937 | $23,000 | 0.62 |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus | $28,122 | $35,534 | $12,375 | 0.44 |
| NUC University | $22,898 | $29,295 | $17,168 | 0.75 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro | $21,975 | $38,394 | $16,040 | 0.73 |
| Columbia Central University-Caguas | $21,830 | $34,162 | $5,250 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Puerto Rico
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Puerto Rico schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Santurce | $6,360 | $36,836 | $23,000 |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Gurabo | $6,920 | $28,122 | $12,375 |
| NUC University Bayamon | $8,054 | $22,898 | $17,168 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro San Juan | $5,580 | $21,975 | $16,040 |
| Columbia Central University-Caguas Caguas | $7,314 | $21,830 | $5,250 |
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 Atenas University, approximately 81% 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 65 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.