Accounting at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

UPR-Rio Piedras delivers one of accounting education's best debt bargains, though the raw earnings numbers tell a more complicated story. At just $5,750 in median debt—95th percentile nationally for low borrowing—graduates face minimal financial burden while earning above the Puerto Rico median for accounting programs. Within the island's market, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing the EDP University campuses but outperforming most competitors after four years.

The challenge is context: first-year earnings of $27,883 place this program in just the 5th percentile nationally, less than half the mainland median of $53,694. But comparing Puerto Rico salaries to continental U.S. figures misses the economic reality on the island. The strong 39% earnings growth to $38,640 by year four suggests graduates are advancing steadily in PR's accounting market. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, typical graduates could repay their loans in months rather than years, even on these lower absolute salaries.

For families planning to stay in Puerto Rico, this represents solid value—affordable credentials that lead to middle-class incomes in the local economy. For students considering mainland opportunities post-graduation, understand that the degree may require additional credentials or experience to compete with higher-earning programs stateside. The negligible debt makes either path financially viable.