Accounting at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

That $7,035 first-year earnings figure stops you cold, but the complete picture requires understanding Puerto Rico's unique economic context. This program costs just $5,500 in debt—among the lowest 5% nationally—serving a predominantly low-income student body (82% receive Pell grants). By year four, earnings climb to $24,880, essentially matching the Puerto Rico median for accounting graduates. However, this still ranks in just the 10th percentile statewide, meaning 90% of accounting programs in Puerto Rico produce better outcomes. The top programs on the island deliver earnings above $31,000, suggesting this institution significantly underperforms even within its local market.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few data points. That said, the pattern is concerning enough to warrant serious consideration of alternatives. If your child is committed to staying in Aguadilla specifically, this represents an affordable path with minimal debt risk. But if they can access programs like Inter American University-Metro or the EDP University campuses, they'd likely see $7,000+ more in annual earnings for roughly double the debt—a trade-off that would pay off quickly.

For families prioritizing the lowest possible debt, this works. For those focused on maximizing career outcomes, the stronger accounting programs in Puerto Rico offer substantially better returns without breaking the bank on borrowing.