Public Administration at Universidad Central de Bayamon

A bachelor's in public administration from Universidad Central de Bayamón carries an estimated $30,167 in debt—notably higher than the $23,626 national median for this degree. Combined with projected first-year earnings around $45,278 (the national midpoint), this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67. While not crisis-level, it means graduates would likely spend their first year earning less than twice what they owe, which can stretch tight in Puerto Rico's economy where entry-level public sector positions often pay less than mainland equivalents.

The challenge here extends beyond the numbers themselves. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, most families at this school are already financially stretched. Public administration degrees typically lead to government or nonprofit work—stable but rarely lucrative careers, especially in the early years. Similar programs nationally suggest that earnings growth can be slow, and Puerto Rico's smaller job market may limit advancement opportunities compared to what graduates might find on the mainland.

For families banking on this degree as an economic mobility path, the estimated debt load deserves serious consideration. If your child is committed to public service in Puerto Rico and can minimize borrowing through grants or part-time work, this becomes more viable. But if they're taking on the full estimated debt burden for a field where starting salaries are modest and growth is gradual, you'll want frank conversations about whether the investment matches the likely returns in their specific career plans.