Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,959

Est. from national median (613 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,000

Est. from national median (246 programs)

Analysis

Similar Communication and Media Studies programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000—roughly four times what in-state alternatives typically produce in Puerto Rico. This dramatic divergence raises questions about where graduates actually work, since Puerto Rico's media market typically yields starting salaries closer to $8,500. The estimated $26,000 debt load becomes considerably more manageable if graduates relocate to mainland markets, but potentially crushing if they remain on the island where comparable programs show median debt of $15,500.

The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but only holds if those mainland-level earnings materialize. With 81% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are betting borrowed money on a credential that demands geographic flexibility to pay off. If your child plans to stay in Puerto Rico's media landscape—working in local television, radio, or digital media—the debt burden based on peer programs could take years longer to manage than the national figures suggest.

The real question is whether your family can support a potential move to markets where these estimated earnings hold true. If staying local is the plan, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón's lower debt load and more realistic local wage expectations might prove the safer path, even though this school's national peer data looks more promising on the surface.

Where Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-PoncePonce	$6,340	$34,959*	—	$26,000*	—
Universidad del Sagrado CorazonSanturce	$6,360	$8,558*	$23,187	$15,500*	1.81
National Median	—	$34,959*	—	$25,000*	0.72

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, approximately 81% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 613 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.