Accounting at University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon

The $5,500 median debt here is exceptionally low—among the lowest 5% nationally for accounting programs—which fundamentally changes the math on this degree. While UPR-Bayamón's accounting graduates start at just $25,952 (well below the $53,694 national median), they're carrying minimal financial burden compared to the typical $25,000 in student debt nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 means graduates owe roughly 2.5 months of salary, versus nearly 6 months for the average accounting graduate.

Within Puerto Rico's context, this program performs solidly, landing in the 60th percentile for earnings despite being less expensive than most alternatives. Graduates here actually out-earn those from the state median program ($24,979) and see strong salary progression—earnings jump 51% by year four to $39,240. The top-earning PR accounting programs only offer about $6,000-$7,000 more annually, which may not justify their higher debt loads.

For families prioritizing minimal debt while staying in Puerto Rico, this program delivers clear value. Your child gets an accounting credential from a recognized public university system with debt they can realistically pay off within a year or two of graduation. The mainland-versus-island earnings gap is real, but if geographic mobility isn't in the immediate plan, this represents one of the more financially sound paths into accounting available locally.