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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,360 | $8,558 | $23,187 | $15,500 | 1.81 | |
| $11,075 | $62,183 | $60,521 | $14,928 | 0.24 | |
| $66,014 | $62,182 | $80,616 | $14,418 | 0.23 | |
| $13,160 | $58,089 | $41,621 | $37,188 | 0.64 | |
| $7,410 | $57,782 | — | $14,125 | 0.24 | |
| $67,680 | $55,162 | $65,184 | $18,500 | 0.34 | |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $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 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.