At $9,421/yr net price, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduates earn $24,908/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,421 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,908/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,092/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,370/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,504/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,663/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $28,598 | $113,951 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Bachelor | $27,439 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $24,904 | $18,525 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $24,140 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $24,035 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $22,420 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $22,192 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $21,508 | $12,250 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $20,482 | $49,396 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
39.2% of students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo delivers weak financial returns despite its low sticker price. With median earnings of $24,908 ten years after graduation, you'll earn barely above the poverty line even with a college degree.
The psychology program creates a dangerous debt trap, saddling graduates with $113,951 in loans for jobs paying just $28,598 annually. You'd need decades to pay off this debt load. The teaching English program offers slightly better earnings at $27,439 but comes with uncertain job prospects in Puerto Rico's limited market.
Liberal arts graduates fare marginally better with $18,525 in debt for $24,904 in earnings, making this one of the few viable options. Business administration pays similar wages but debt data isn't available, adding uncertainty to your financial planning.
The 39% graduation rate signals serious academic challenges. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without a degree but may still carry debt. The 82% retention rate suggests problems develop after the first year, possibly due to academic difficulty or financial pressure.
This school works financially only if you qualify for substantial aid, plan to leave Puerto Rico for better job markets, or view education as personal enrichment rather than career investment. The $9,421 net price is manageable, but the earning potential won't support much debt.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong earning potential, want diverse program options, or lack family financial support. The combination of low wages and limited local job opportunities makes this a risky investment for most students seeking financial mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo worth the cost?
With graduates earning just $24,908 ten years after enrollment and a 39% graduation rate, the financial return is poor despite the relatively low $9,421 annual cost. Most students struggle to complete their degrees, making this a high-risk investment.
What are the best paying majors at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Psychology graduates earn the highest at $28,598, followed by Teaching English/French as a Second Language at $27,439. However, even these top programs pay below $30,000 annually, which limits long-term earning potential.
How much debt do students graduate with from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
The median debt is $15,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with low post-graduation earnings averaging under $25,000, even this modest debt burden could strain finances.
What is the graduation rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Only 39% of students graduate, meaning most who enroll never complete their degree. This extremely low completion rate significantly increases the risk of attending without receiving any benefit from the investment.