Psychology at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

Even among Puerto Rico's psychology programs—which already lag far behind mainland earnings—UPR-Rio Piedras ranks near the bottom at the 10th percentile statewide. First-year graduates earn just $10,082, less than half the Puerto Rico median of $19,063 and barely a third of the national figure. While the debt load of $5,500 is remarkably low (5th percentile nationally), that still represents more than half a year's initial earnings. Competing programs like Pontifical Catholic's Arecibo and Ponce campuses start graduates at $26,000—nearly 2.5 times higher.

The 126% earnings growth to $22,761 by year four shows graduates can improve their position substantially, though even this remains below the state median. For students who need to work immediately after graduation—and with 65% receiving Pell grants, many do—that first year at subsistence-level wages presents real hardship. The economic context in Puerto Rico differs from the mainland, but these numbers are concerning even within that context.

This program works only if your student can secure family financial support through those difficult early years and plans to pursue graduate education, where psychology careers truly begin. Otherwise, the top-ranked Puerto Rico programs offer significantly better starting positions for similar or slightly higher debt.