Business Administration, Management and Operations at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

The $18,731 first-year salary from this business program tells a story of two very different benchmarks. Nationally, these earnings place graduates at the very bottom—the 5th percentile—when the typical business grad elsewhere starts near $46,000. But within Puerto Rico's distinct economic landscape, this program actually sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it performs better than most island business programs despite those dramatically lower absolute numbers. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but the earnings pattern reflects broader economic realities in Puerto Rico rather than program-specific failings.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $14,190, graduates carry roughly half the national average burden, and the 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio means one year's salary nearly covers the full loan balance. Still, when top Puerto Rico programs like UPR-Mayaguez produce business graduates earning over $38,000—more than double—parents should recognize this isn't simply about island economics. The gap between this program and stronger local alternatives suggests students might face limited career networking or employer recognition.

For families planning to stay in Puerto Rico, this program won't saddle graduates with crushing debt, and it performs adequately against most island peers. But if mainland opportunities are part of the plan, that 5th percentile national ranking becomes the number that matters most. The path forward depends entirely on whether your child's career ambitions are anchored to the island or reaching toward broader markets.