Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Columbia Central University-Caguas

Columbia Central University-Caguas produces nursing graduates who significantly outperform their Puerto Rico peers—ranking in the 80th percentile among island programs—yet earn far below mainland standards. At $21,830 initially and $34,162 by year four, graduates earn roughly 2-3 times the state median of $16,742, but only about half what nurses at top PR programs like Universidad del Sagrado Corazon make. The debt picture is excellent: $5,250 represents just three months of fourth-year salary and sits well below Puerto Rico's median nursing program debt.

The critical context here is Puerto Rico's nursing market. These figures reflect the island's economic reality, where healthcare wages run dramatically below U.S. mainland levels (the national nursing median is $74,888). The 57% earnings growth over four years shows graduates gaining traction in their careers, and the minimal debt burden means they're not crushed financially even with lower absolute earnings. With 81% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves an economically disadvantaged population and provides solid upward mobility within Puerto Rico's constraints.

For families planning to stay in Puerto Rico, this represents reasonable value—competitive local outcomes with minimal debt. However, if your child intends to practice nursing on the mainland, investigate whether this degree positions them competitively for stateside licensure and jobs, as the earnings gap suggests significant market differences.