Analysis
A debt load three times higher than the Puerto Rico median demands serious scrutiny. While similar social sciences programs across the island carry around $8,900 in debt, peer institutions nationally suggest graduates here face an estimated $26,975—a stark premium for a credential that typically yields $37,000 in first-year earnings based on comparable bachelor's programs.
The 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio places this squarely in manageable territory by national standards, but context matters. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, this represents a largely economically vulnerable population taking on debt that's far above what other Puerto Rico students pay for similar degrees. The earnings estimate aligns with national social sciences medians, which means the premium isn't buying demonstrably better outcomes—at least based on what we can glean from peer programs.
For families weighing this investment, the central question is whether there are compelling reasons to choose this program over others in Puerto Rico that appear to deliver similar credentials at a fraction of the cost. If proximity, specific faculty expertise, or program features justify the additional $18,000 in borrowing, that's a calculation only your family can make. But go in aware that the debt burden here looks considerably heavier than state peers, even if the earnings potential seems reasonable.
Where Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo CampusGurabo | $6,920 | $37,459* | — | $26,975* | — |
 Mercer UniversityMacon | $40,890 | $61,612* | — | $47,010* | 0.76 |
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $61,389* | $80,320 | $11,000* | 0.18 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $57,538* | $79,100 | $20,559* | 0.36 |
 Harvard UniversityCambridge | $59,076 | $56,540* | $72,825 | $19,937* | 0.35 |
 Upper Iowa UniversityFayette | $19,000 | $56,221* | $42,471 | $25,805* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.