Criminal Justice and Corrections at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

The immediate challenge here is obvious: graduates earn just $16,702 in their first year—a figure that ranks in the bottom 5% nationally but actually places solidly in the middle (60th percentile) among Puerto Rico's criminal justice programs. That context matters enormously, because it reflects the island's broader economic reality rather than a program-specific failure.

What distinguishes this program is the trajectory. Earnings nearly double by year four to $30,898, an 85% jump that suggests graduates are finding pathways into better positions as they gain experience. The minimal $5,500 debt load—far below both the national median of $26,130 and Puerto Rico's $13,825—means students aren't betting their financial futures on those early low earnings. With such manageable debt, graduates have breathing room during those lean early years.

The tradeoff is clear: this program serves an overwhelmingly low-income student population (84% receive Pell grants) and delivers earnings well below mainland standards. Even after four years, graduates earn less than half what the typical U.S. criminal justice graduate makes initially. If your child plans to remain in Puerto Rico's economy, this program offers a relatively affordable path with encouraging growth potential. But if they're aiming for mainland opportunities where earnings expectations are double or triple what this program delivers, they should recalibrate their career planning accordingly.