Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,836
5th percentile
95th percentile in Puerto Rico
Median Debt
$23,000
15% below national median

Analysis

Universidad del Sagrado CorazΓ³n'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 CorazΓ³n 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 $58,000β€”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

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$36,836$57,937+57%
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro$21,975$38,394+75%
University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences$16,686$36,153+117%
University of Puerto Rico-Humacao$14,764$36,091+144%
Universidad Adventista de las Antillas$19,725$35,758+81%

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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Universidad del Sagrado CorazonSanturce$6,360$36,836$57,937$23,0000.62
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo CampusGurabo$6,920$28,122$35,534$12,3750.44
NUC UniversityBayamon$8,054$22,898$29,295$17,1680.75
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-MetroSan Juan$5,580$21,975$38,394$16,0400.73
Columbia Central University-CaguasCaguas$7,314$21,830$34,162$5,2500.24
Atenas UniversityManati$8,198$21,383$31,709$6,6520.31
National Medianβ€”$74,888β€”$27,0000.36

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.