Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Something unusual happens between years one and four for students in this program: first-year earnings estimated at $35,000 (based on national benchmarks for similar health sciences bachelor's programs) drop to just $24,000 by year four—a pattern that runs counter to typical career progression. This backward slide raises questions about whether graduates are finding work that matches their credential level, or whether Puerto Rico's health sector presents unique challenges that undermine the typical trajectory of allied health careers.

The estimated $27,000 in debt aligns closely with national norms for this degree, and the 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper if that first-year figure held steady. But measured against the actual fourth-year earnings of $24,000, the debt burden becomes harder to manage. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here are counting on clear economic mobility that these numbers don't clearly demonstrate.

Given the high admission rate and the institution's mission-driven focus, this program likely serves students with limited alternatives. But that doesn't change the practical reality: if the fourth-year earnings figure reflects what graduates actually experience in the local market, families should enter with clear employment plans and realistic salary expectations for Puerto Rico's health services sector. Understanding why earnings decline rather than grow matters more here than the initial credential.