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

Earning less than $20,000 one year after graduation represents a serious financial challenge, regardless of context. While this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Puerto Rico's liberal arts programs, that regional comparison offers little comfort when graduates earn less than $24,000 even four years out—putting them in just the 5th percentile nationally. The debt load of $19,040 essentially equals a full year's starting salary, creating immediate financial strain for graduates who overwhelmingly come from low-income backgrounds (81% receive Pell grants).

The broader economic reality in Puerto Rico explains some of this gap—all the island's top-performing liberal arts programs show similar earnings. However, the national benchmark of $36,340 suggests students pursuing this degree elsewhere typically earn nearly double what Ponce graduates make. Even the 18% earnings growth over four years doesn't meaningfully close this gap. For a family weighing this investment, the question isn't whether this program performs well relative to Puerto Rico options (it's roughly average), but whether borrowing nearly $20,000 makes sense when starting salaries barely cover basic living expenses.

Unless staying in Puerto Rico is non-negotiable for family or personal reasons, families should carefully compare the total cost of attending mainland institutions—even with out-of-state tuition—against these constrained post-graduation earnings. The math may favor investing differently in your child's education.