Analysis
The four-year earnings data tells a stark story here: graduates from this program earn a median of just $18,354 four years post-graduationβfar below what similar communications programs produce nationally. While the first-year estimate of nearly $35,000 (drawn from national benchmarks) might seem reasonable at first glance, actual reported outcomes suggest graduates experience a significant earnings decline rather than the typical career progression. This pattern is deeply concerning and warrants scrutiny before enrollment.
The estimated $26,000 in debt compounds this problem. Even if first-year earnings matched national norms, that debt would be manageable. But against actual reported earnings of $18,354 four years out, you're looking at a debt burden that exceeds annual incomeβa recipe for financial strain. For context, the only other PR communications program with reported data shows first-year earnings around $8,500, suggesting the Puerto Rico media job market may simply offer limited opportunities compared to the mainland. With 83% of students here receiving Pell grants, many graduates are already starting from economically vulnerable positions.
The dramatic drop from estimated first-year to actual fourth-year earnings raises serious questions about career sustainability in this market. Before committing, your child needs concrete answers: What happens to graduates between year one and year four? Where are they working, and are these sustainable career paths? Without better clarity on actual outcomes, this investment carries substantial financial risk.
Where Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus | β | $18,354 | β |
| Cornell University | $62,182 | $80,616 | +30% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $53,022 | $77,464 | +46% |
| Northwestern University | $52,210 | $77,066 | +48% |
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon | $8,558 | $23,187 | +171% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (4 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,920 | $34,959* | $18,354 | $26,000* | β | |
| $6,360 | $8,558* | $23,187 | $15,500* | 1.81 | |
| National Median | β | $34,959* | β | $25,000* | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, 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 Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus, approximately 83% 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 613 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.