Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
These earnings reflect Puerto Rico's compressed nursing wage structure, not program failure. While $14,877 in year one seems shockingly low compared to mainland nursing salaries, this program actually lands near the middle of Puerto Rico's nursing market—40th percentile statewide. The 40% earnings bump to $20,894 by year four shows steady career progression, though graduates still earn far less than the top Puerto Rican programs like Universidad del Sagrado Corazon ($36,836). The national comparison is almost meaningless here: U.S. nursing markets operate on completely different pay scales than Puerto Rico's healthcare system.
The debt load tells a more encouraging story. At $5,500, graduates borrow about 60% less than the Puerto Rico median for nursing programs and dramatically less than mainland nursing students. Even with Puerto Rico's lower wages, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 represents manageable repayment. For families where 82% qualify for Pell grants, minimizing borrowing matters enormously.
The bottom line: if your child plans to practice in Puerto Rico, this program offers an affordable entry point to nursing with reasonable debt. The earnings won't rival mainland salaries, but that's a Puerto Rico healthcare reality, not this school's unique problem. For students wanting mainland opportunities, though, starting salaries at top Puerto Rican programs are nearly double—worth considering if stronger mainland licensure prospects matter to your family's plans.
Where Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce graduates compare to all programs nationally
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce graduates earn $15k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (40 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce | $14,877 | $20,894 | $5,500 | 0.37 |
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon | $36,836 | $57,937 | $23,000 | 0.62 |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus | $28,122 | $35,534 | $12,375 | 0.44 |
| NUC University | $22,898 | $29,295 | $17,168 | 0.75 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro | $21,975 | $38,394 | $16,040 | 0.73 |
| Columbia Central University-Caguas | $21,830 | $34,162 | $5,250 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Puerto Rico
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Puerto Rico schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Santurce | $6,360 | $36,836 | $23,000 |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Gurabo | $6,920 | $28,122 | $12,375 |
| NUC University Bayamon | $8,054 | $22,898 | $17,168 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro San Juan | $5,580 | $21,975 | $16,040 |
| Columbia Central University-Caguas Caguas | $7,314 | $21,830 | $5,250 |
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 Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, approximately 82% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.