Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Universidad del Sagrado Corazon
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón's nursing program presents an unusual paradox: while graduates earn far less than nurses nationally, they're earning more than virtually any other nursing program in Puerto Rico. Starting salaries of $36,836 rank in just the 5th percentile nationally but soar to the 95th percentile within PR, where the median nursing graduate earns only $16,742. This makes Sagrado Corazón the clear leader among Puerto Rico's 40+ nursing programs.
The financial picture becomes more compelling over time. Graduates see robust 57% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $58,000—still well below national standards but representing solid career progression. The $23,000 debt load, while higher than PR's typical $9,250, remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62. This is reasonable given that 71% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves many first-generation college students who might not otherwise access nursing education.
For families planning to stay in Puerto Rico, this program offers the best nursing career prospects on the island. However, graduates planning to relocate to the mainland should understand they'll be starting from a significant earnings disadvantage compared to peers from other states. The strong foundation and growth trajectory suggest adaptability, but geographic mobility will be crucial for maximizing earning potential.
Where Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
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 $37k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (40 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon | $36,836 | $57,937 | $23,000 | 0.62 |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus | $28,122 | $35,534 | $12,375 | 0.44 |
| NUC University | $22,898 | $29,295 | $17,168 | 0.75 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro | $21,975 | $38,394 | $16,040 | 0.73 |
| Columbia Central University-Caguas | $21,830 | $34,162 | $5,250 | 0.24 |
| Atenas University | $21,383 | $31,709 | $6,652 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Puerto Rico
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Puerto Rico schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Gurabo | $6,920 | $28,122 | $12,375 |
| NUC University Bayamon | $8,054 | $22,898 | $17,168 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro San Juan | $5,580 | $21,975 | $16,040 |
| Columbia Central University-Caguas Caguas | $7,314 | $21,830 | $5,250 |
| Atenas University Manati | $8,198 | $21,383 | $6,652 |
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 351 graduates with reported earnings and 506 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.