Psychology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Among Puerto Rico's psychology programs, this one ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings—a meaningful achievement in a state where psychology graduates typically earn just $19,063 after graduation. The $26,047 first-year salary here nearly matches the top-performing program in the territory. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these figures less reliable, and there's a troubling 19% earnings decline by year four, dropping graduates to just $20,965. While the $12,250 debt load is modest in absolute terms—roughly half the national median—it's still above Puerto Rico's typical $11,000 for psychology degrees.

The real concern is context: even this program's relatively strong Puerto Rico showing places it in just the 11th percentile nationally, where psychology graduates typically earn $31,482. That's a $10,000+ gap that reflects broader economic realities in Puerto Rico rather than program quality. The high admission rate and 81% Pell Grant participation suggest this serves students with limited options, making the modest debt particularly important. For families committed to staying in Puerto Rico where job markets and salaries differ significantly from the mainland, this program appears to be among the better psychology options available. For those considering mainland opportunities, the earnings trajectory should raise questions about career preparation and mobility.