Psychology at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

A $5,000 debt load—far below the national median of $16,472—makes this psychology program one of the most affordable bachelor's degrees you'll find anywhere. With three-quarters of students receiving Pell grants, this University of Puerto Rico campus clearly serves families who need higher education to be financially accessible, and the debt picture reflects that priority.

The earnings story is more complicated. Nationally, psychology bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $36,890, but four years out, this program's graduates earn just $20,331. That's a significant gap that raises questions about whether graduates are finding work that requires their degree, staying in Puerto Rico's economy where wages may be lower, or pursuing further education. Psychology degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school rather than terminal credentials, which could explain the pattern.

For families focused purely on immediate earnings, this deserves serious consideration. But if your student plans to pursue graduate study—where psychology majors often find their value—entering that next phase with minimal undergraduate debt is actually an advantage. The real question is whether your child has a clear path beyond the bachelor's degree, because the four-year earnings suggest this credential alone may not be enough to build a middle-class income.