English Language and Literature at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

The first-year earnings of $7,780 demand immediate explanation: this reflects Puerto Rico's distinct economic reality, where typical salaries run far below mainland U.S. levels. While this program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, it actually performs at the 60th percentile among Puerto Rico's English programs—above the island's median for graduates in this field. By year four, earnings jump to $29,547, essentially reaching parity with the national median of $29,967, which is remarkable growth even if the absolute numbers remain modest.

The debt picture offers genuine relief here. At $7,500, graduates carry roughly one-third the debt burden of English majors nationally ($24,529 median). With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, even in that difficult first year, the financial risk stays manageable—especially for the 65% of students receiving Pell grants who likely have limited alternative funding sources. The low debt reflects both Puerto Rico's affordable in-territory tuition and the reality that many students work while completing their degrees.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary significantly. For Puerto Rican families considering this program, the value proposition depends entirely on career plans. If your student intends to build a career on the island, these outcomes align with local market realities and keep debt minimal. If they're planning to work on the mainland after graduation, the initial earning power won't match what peers face there—though the four-year numbers suggest eventual convergence is possible.