Median Earnings (1yr)
$8,558
5th percentile
Median Debt
$15,500
38% below national median

Analysis

At first glance, earning $8,558 one year after graduation seems alarming, but context matters enormously here. Among the four Puerto Rico institutions offering this degree, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón actually ranks at the 60th percentile—meaning most island graduates earn similar amounts initially. The real challenge isn't this program specifically; it's the Puerto Rico media market, where even the statewide median matches this school's outcome. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, graduates are likely navigating an economy where these entry wages, while low by mainland standards, may reflect broader local realities.

The concerning element is the $15,500 debt load relative to that first-year income. While earnings nearly triple to $23,187 by year four—still well below the $35,000 national median but potentially livable in Puerto Rico's economy—that initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.81 creates real financial pressure. For families considering this path, the calculation depends heavily on whether your child plans to stay in Puerto Rico (where these outcomes appear typical for media graduates) or relocate to the mainland. The small sample size also warrants caution: fewer than 30 recent graduates provided this data.

If remaining in Puerto Rico is the plan and your family can minimize borrowing below the $15,500 median, this program performs competitively within its local market. But families expecting mainland earning potential should recognize they'd be starting $11,000+ behind the national curve four years out.

Where Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Universidad del Sagrado Corazon graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Universidad del Sagrado Corazon$8,558$23,187+171%
Cornell University$62,182$80,616+30%
University of Pennsylvania$53,022$77,464+46%
Northwestern University$52,210$77,066+48%
University of California-Berkeley$43,696$76,374+75%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Universidad del Sagrado CorazonSanturce$6,360$8,558$23,187$15,5001.81
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$62,183$60,521$14,9280.24
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$62,182$80,616$14,4180.23
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$58,089$41,621$37,1880.64
CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York$7,410$57,782$14,1250.24
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill$67,680$55,162$65,184$18,5000.34
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 del Sagrado Corazon, approximately 71% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.