Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 positions this program favorably compared to many bachelor's degrees, suggesting manageable debt relative to early career income. Based on the national median for social sciences programs—which typically produce first-year earnings around $36,000—graduates from UPR-Humacao's program would need roughly seven months of gross income to cover their estimated $22,000 in student debt. That's a workable starting point, though families should recognize these are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than tracked outcomes from Humacao specifically.
The university serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (79%), which matters because these students often face greater financial constraints and may rely more heavily on loans. The estimated debt figure here sits below the national median of $25,500 for social sciences degrees, which helps offset the relatively modest starting salaries typical in this field. Still, social sciences graduates often pursue careers in education, social services, or government work where salary growth can be gradual, making that initial debt load important to minimize.
For families weighing this investment, the critical question is whether your student plans to pursue graduate education—common in social sciences—which would add more debt before career earnings accelerate. If they're heading straight to work, this debt-to-earnings picture is reasonable but not exceptional. Confirm the actual aid package and total cost before committing, since these estimates can't capture UPR-Humacao's specific financial aid practices or job placement patterns.
Where University of Puerto Rico-Humacao 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,364 | $36,279* | — | $22,116* | — | |
| $14,850 | $61,109* | $97,257 | $15,000* | 0.25 | |
| $7,410 | $54,265* | — | $12,500* | 0.23 | |
| $17,239 | $51,753* | $59,341 | $25,000* | 0.48 | |
| $65,168 | $48,243* | $61,389 | —* | — | |
| $11,380 | $45,509* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $36,279* | — | $25,500* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
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-Humacao, approximately 79% 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 33 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.