Analysis
An estimated $27,000 in debt for an associate's degree is worth examining closely, particularly when national data for marketing programs at this credential level show a typical debt load around $19,000. The earnings estimate of nearly $42,000—drawn from similar associate-level marketing programs nationwide—appears reasonable for first-year graduates, but the higher debt burden changes the calculation. With 91% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already financially stretched, making that extra $8,000 in debt more consequential than it might seem on paper.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 sits in manageable territory if those peer program estimates hold true for ICPR graduates. However, Puerto Rico's economic landscape differs significantly from the mainland markets where many of those comparison programs operate. Local marketing salaries may not match national figures, and without actual outcome data from this program or comparable PR schools, there's genuine uncertainty about whether graduates will see earnings that justify the debt load. The absence of reported data from any marketing programs in Puerto Rico makes it difficult to ground these estimates in local economic reality.
For families considering this investment, the key question is whether comparable entry-level marketing positions in San Juan and surrounding areas actually pay in the $40,000 range. Direct outreach to recent graduates or local employers would provide far more reliable guidance than these national proxies can offer.
Where ICPR Junior College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,060 | $41,955* | — | $27,167* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084* | — | $22,546* | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748* | — | $19,652* | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
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 ICPR Junior College, approximately 91% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.