Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Caribbean University-Ponce

The earnings figures here—$7,046 one year out, rising to $11,410 after four years—reflect Puerto Rico's economic reality rather than program quality. Within Puerto Rico's limited Allied Health market, this program actually performs at the 60th percentile, meaning graduates earn more than half their in-state peers. However, compared to the same bachelor's degree nationally (median $32,919), these graduates earn roughly one-fifth as much. The $6,000 debt burden is remarkably low compared to the national median of $22,500, which helps explain the manageable 0.85 debt-to-earnings ratio despite the modest income.

The critical question is whether a bachelor's degree makes sense for these outcomes. With 75% of students receiving Pell grants, most families are already financially stretched. While the debt is minimal, four years of forgone earnings plus living expenses represents a significant investment for income that remains below $12,000 annually even four years post-graduation. The 62% earnings growth sounds encouraging until you realize it means moving from $7,000 to $11,000.

For families committed to staying in Puerto Rico's healthcare sector, the low debt at least prevents a crisis. But parents should carefully consider whether an associate degree or certification program might reach similar earnings faster, or whether their child might find better bachelor's-level opportunities outside Puerto Rico. The small sample size adds uncertainty—these numbers could shift considerably with more data.