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

The earnings trajectory here demands attention: while national data suggests first-year earnings around $35,000, graduates from this specific program report earning just $24,178 by their fourth year post-graduation. That's a backward slide of more than $10,000 when most careers should be progressing. This unusual pattern—where income actually decreases over time—raises serious questions about the stability and career progression available through this pathway.

The estimated debt of $27,000 looks manageable against that initial $35,000 benchmark, but the reality these graduates face is far harsher. When your actual income four years out is only $24,178, you're dealing with debt that represents more than a full year's salary. For context, 81% of students here receive Pell grants, meaning most families have limited financial cushion to help if loan payments become burdensome.

Something fundamental isn't working if health services graduates are earning less four years into their careers than fresh graduates typically make. Before committing, you need to understand whether this reflects the local healthcare job market in Puerto Rico, the specific roles this program prepares students for, or issues with the program itself. Without answers to those questions, the declining earnings pattern makes this a risky investment, regardless of how the initial numbers look on paper.