Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests manageable student loans for a mathematics bachelor's degree, though the numbers here deserve scrutiny. Both the $48,772 first-year salary and $21,750 debt figure are national estimates—neither reflects actual outcomes from Pontifical Catholic University's program specifically. With 81% of students on Pell grants and Puerto Rico's distinct economic context, graduates here may face a substantially different reality than the mainland programs these estimates draw from.
The national benchmarks provide some structure: the estimated earnings match the typical median for math bachelor's programs nationwide, while debt sits just slightly above the $21,500 national median. But Puerto Rico's labor market operates differently from the continental U.S., with generally lower wages and unique opportunities in sectors like pharmaceuticals and finance. Without reported data from any of the nine mathematics programs across the island, it's impossible to know whether mainland salary patterns hold true here.
For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether their child plans to stay in Puerto Rico or pursue opportunities on the mainland. If staying local, these national earnings estimates may prove overly optimistic. If relocating for work, the estimated debt load appears reasonable for a quantitative degree—assuming the program prepares students competitively. Request the school's actual placement data and alumni connections before committing.
Where Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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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 | $48,772* | — | $21,750* | — |
 Duke UniversityDurham | $65,805 | $121,088* | $99,927 | $13,000* | 0.11 |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $110,512* | — | $17,750* | 0.16 |
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $109,288* | $180,882 | $10,003* | 0.09 |
 Dartmouth CollegeHanover | $65,739 | $108,255* | $124,017 | $11,617* | 0.11 |
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $103,812* | $125,955 | $10,000* | 0.10 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.