Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences

The strikingly low first-year earnings at UPR-Medical Sciences reflect Puerto Rico's healthcare economy, where nursing wages run 80% below mainland levels. More telling is the four-year trajectory: graduates see their earnings more than double to $36,153, significantly outpacing the island's median for nursing programs. At 40th percentile statewide, this program performs middle-of-the-pack among Puerto Rico's 40 nursing schools—there are clearly stronger options like Universidad del Sagrado Corazon, whose graduates earn $36,836 even in year one.

The upside here is debt: at just $6,025, this is among the lowest nursing program debt loads nationally (5th percentile). For families already stretched thin—66% of students receive Pell grants—this matters enormously. The 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first four months of work, a manageable burden even at Puerto Rican wage levels.

If your child plans to remain in Puerto Rico, this program offers a financially safe path into nursing, though not the fastest earnings growth on the island. The minimal debt provides crucial flexibility for young nurses building their careers. If mainland employment is the goal post-graduation, recognize that initial earnings here won't translate directly—but the low debt means your child won't be carrying a heavy burden while making that transition.