Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at CEM College-San Juan

The small sample size here demands caution, but these numbers raise serious questions about CEM College-San Juan's nursing program. Even accounting for Puerto Rico's lower cost of living, graduates earn just $14,275 in their first year—well below the island's median of $16,905 for nursing associates and a fraction of what top PR programs produce ($31,869 at EDP University locations). By year four, earnings climb to $18,452, but that's still barely enough to cover basic living expenses.

The debt load of $6,467 is relatively manageable, and the program serves an overwhelmingly low-income population (90% receive Pell grants). However, the fundamental problem is that graduates aren't earning enough to justify even this modest debt. The top nursing programs in Puerto Rico generate more than 70% higher earnings, suggesting something is fundamentally different about graduate outcomes—whether it's credential recognition, clinical training quality, or job placement support.

For families considering this program: the $6,467 in debt won't crush anyone financially, but you need to understand why graduates here earn half what peers at other Puerto Rico nursing programs make. Before enrolling, demand answers about licensure pass rates, clinical placement sites, and where recent graduates actually work. If your student has the grades to get into an EDP University campus instead, that appears to be the significantly better path.