Human Resources Management and Services at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

The stark drop from an estimated first-year salary of $50,000 to just $21,625 four years later demands attention, particularly since these figures come from different data sources—the first-year estimate derived from national peer programs, the fourth-year number from actual graduate outcomes at this campus. That precipitous decline suggests either graduates are leaving the formal workforce, experiencing significant income disruption, or facing local economic conditions that don't sustain HR career progression.

The $15,000 debt load offers some consolation—it's substantially below both the national median ($26,625) and even favorable compared to other Puerto Rico HR programs ($8,688 median). With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, this Catholic university in Mayaguez clearly serves lower-income families, and keeping debt relatively contained matters. However, debt is only manageable when paired with stable earnings, and that fourth-year figure raises questions about whether HR bachelor's graduates can establish sustainable careers in the region.

For families considering this program, the critical unknown is whether that fourth-year earnings dip reflects a temporary pattern or signals long-term earning constraints in Puerto Rico's job market for HR professionals. The 97% admission rate and high Pell enrollment suggest this institution provides access to students with limited alternatives, but access alone doesn't guarantee economic returns. Before committing, investigate what percentage of graduates remain in Puerto Rico versus relocate to the mainland, and whether the fourth-year earnings reflect career persistence or workforce exit.