Analysis
Social sciences bachelor's programs in Puerto Rico typically carry far less debt than what comparable national programs suggest for UPR-Cayey. While peer institutions across the country show median borrowing around $24,400, other social sciences programs in Puerto Rico average just $8,900 in debt—a dramatic difference that reflects the territory's unique higher education financing. With 76% of students receiving Pell grants, UPR-Cayey serves a predominantly lower-income population where even moderate debt levels hit harder than they would elsewhere.
The estimated first-year earnings of $37,459 mirror the national median for social sciences bachelor's degrees, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 that looks manageable on paper. However, this figure deserves scrutiny. Puerto Rico's economy operates differently from the mainland, with different wage structures and employment opportunities. National earnings benchmarks may not accurately reflect what UPR-Cayey graduates actually earn in the local job market, potentially overstating the program's financial value.
Given the lack of reported data for this specific program and the unusual gap between state and national debt figures, families should verify actual outcomes directly with the university's career services office. Ask for placement rates, typical starting salaries for recent graduates, and what percentage of students leave with debt below that $8,900 Puerto Rico median versus the higher national estimate.
Where University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Puerto Rico at CayeyCayey | $5,354 | $37,459* | — | $24,423* | — |
 Mercer UniversityMacon | $40,890 | $61,612* | — | $47,010* | 0.76 |
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $61,389* | $80,320 | $11,000* | 0.18 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $57,538* | $79,100 | $20,559* | 0.36 |
 Harvard UniversityCambridge | $59,076 | $56,540* | $72,825 | $19,937* | 0.35 |
 Upper Iowa UniversityFayette | $19,000 | $56,221* | $42,471 | $25,805* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, approximately 76% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.