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

CEM College-San Juan's nursing graduates earn exactly the state median at $16,742—right in the middle of Puerto Rico's nursing market but barely 20% of what mainland nursing programs deliver. While this places them at the 60th percentile within Puerto Rico, it's the 5th percentile nationally, and that gap matters for students considering whether to stay on the island or seek opportunities elsewhere. The modest debt load of $7,891 (well below Puerto Rico's $9,250 median) offers a silver lining, making this one of the more affordable paths to a nursing degree on the island.

The real challenge here isn't the debt—it's the earnings ceiling. Even after four years, graduates reach just $20,357, while top Puerto Rican programs like Universidad del Sagrado Corazon see their graduates earning $36,836. With 90% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here are operating on tight budgets where every dollar counts. The program serves its purpose as an accessible entry point to nursing, but parents should understand their child will likely need to either accept significantly lower earnings than mainland nurses or plan for eventual relocation.

For families committed to staying in Puerto Rico and needing an affordable nursing option, this works—the debt won't crush you, and the earnings are typical for the local market. But if your child has the grades and means to attend one of the island's top-tier programs, the earnings difference of $15,000+ annually would justify the effort.