Median Earnings (1yr)
$8,558
5th percentile
Median Debt
$15,500
38% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.81
Elevated
Sample Size
23
Limited data

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

Universidad del Sagrado CorazonOther communication and media studies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Universidad del Sagrado Corazon graduates compare to all programs nationally

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon graduates earn $9k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (4 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Universidad del Sagrado Corazon$8,558$23,187$15,5001.81
National Median$34,959—$25,0000.72

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.