Political Science and Government at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Political science programs across Puerto Rico typically produce modest earnings, with the state median at just under $20,000 in the first year. For this program at Pontifical Catholic, peer programs nationally suggest earnings around $36,000—substantially higher than local benchmarks but paired with estimated debt of $24,625. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory, though whether these national-level earnings actually materialize for graduates in Puerto Rico's job market remains the critical unknown.

The uncertainty here matters considerably. If graduates stay in Puerto Rico, where comparable programs yield first-year earnings around half the national median, that debt burden becomes far more challenging to manage. The school serves predominantly Pell-eligible students (81%), meaning many families have limited financial cushion if post-graduation employment doesn't align with these earnings estimates. The national figures used here reflect a much broader labor market that may not match opportunities available to graduates primarily seeking work on the island.

Without actual outcomes data for this specific program, families face a difficult calculation. The estimated numbers suggest manageable debt if graduates access mainland job markets or federal positions paying national-scale salaries. But if employment keeps graduates local, the financial picture likely looks closer to UPR-Rio Piedras outcomes—where that same debt would represent more than a full year's salary. Understanding where your child plans to work after graduation isn't just a career question here; it fundamentally determines whether these estimates hold any relevance.