At $8,264/yr net price, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez graduates earn $24,908/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,264 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,908/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,092/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.1% |
| 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 | $7,867/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,404/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,642/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,024/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $22,420 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $22,192 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $21,508 | $12,250 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $15,090 | $17,500 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $15,090 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $14,935 | $18,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $14,318 |
The Risk Factor
42.1% of students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of just $24,908 ten years after graduation. The low net price of $8,264 annually helps offset poor earning potential, but you'll still face significant financial challenges after graduation.
Teaching English or French as a Second Language offers the highest earnings at $27,439, though this barely qualifies as a living wage. Liberal Arts graduates earn $24,904 while carrying $18,525 in debt, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio. Educational administration and human resources programs produce even lower returns in the low $20,000 range.
The 42% graduation rate signals serious completion risk. If you don't finish your degree, you'll carry debt without the credential to improve your earning potential. The 77% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
This school works financially if you're committed to education or public service careers in Puerto Rico, where cost of living is lower than the mainland US. The generous financial aid covering 83% of students helps keep debt manageable at $15,500 median.
You should look elsewhere if you want strong earning potential or plan to work outside Puerto Rico. The combination of low earnings and graduation rates makes this a high-risk investment. Consider this school only if you have strong academic preparation, clear career goals in education, and plan to stay in Puerto Rico where the lower cost of living makes the modest salaries more viable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $24,908 ten years after graduation and a low graduation rate of 42%, the financial return is poor even at the relatively affordable net price of $8,264 per year. Most students would see better career outcomes at other institutions.
What are the best paying programs at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?
Teaching English or French as a Second Language offers the highest earnings at $27,439, followed by Liberal Arts at $24,904. However, all programs at this school produce below-average earnings compared to similar degrees elsewhere.
How much student debt do graduates from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez typically have?
The median debt is $15,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with low post-graduation earnings around $25,000, even this modest debt burden may be challenging to repay.
What is the graduation rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?
Only 42% of students graduate, meaning more than half who enroll never finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's value proposition and increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a credential.