Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

A starting salary under $20,000 makes this program challenging to justify financially, even though it performs at the median for Puerto Rico's liberal arts programs. While the 60th percentile state ranking might sound reassuring, the reality is that Puerto Rico's liberal arts graduates earn roughly half what their mainland counterparts do—the national median is $36,340. The debt load of $19,040 essentially equals a full year's starting salary, and even after four years, graduates are earning just $23,354. Serving primarily low-income students (83% receive Pell grants), this program leaves vulnerable families with debt that will be difficult to manage on these earnings.

The 18% earnings growth over four years does show some upward trajectory, but it's climbing from an extremely low base. At nearly $20,000 in debt with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.96, graduates face immediate financial pressure that their modest salaries won't easily resolve. The 5th percentile national ranking tells the stark story: 95% of liberal arts programs nationwide deliver better earnings outcomes.

For families considering this path, the question isn't whether their child can succeed academically here—the 97% admission rate suggests accessibility—but whether taking on debt for these earnings makes sense. Unless a student has compelling reasons to stay local and has realistic expectations about Puerto Rico's wage environment, pursuing liberal arts elsewhere or considering vocational alternatives would likely offer better returns.