At $10,082/yr net price, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce graduates earn $24,908/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,082 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,908/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,092/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.9% |
| 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 | $9,321/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,319/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,608/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,251/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,061/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $54,713 | |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $31,000 |
| 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 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $24,730 | $54,836 |
| Biotechnology. | Master | $24,421 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $24,140 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $24,035 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $22,420 |
The Risk Factor
47.9% of students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce 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-Ponce delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $24,908 ten years after graduation despite a reasonable net price of $10,082 annually.
Business Administration stands out as the clear winner financially, generating $54,713 in median earnings that justify the investment. This program appears well-connected to Puerto Rico's economic opportunities and provides genuine career advancement potential.
The other programs tell a troubling story. Architecture graduates earn only $28,598 while carrying $31,000 in debt, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Clinical Psychology presents an even worse scenario with graduates earning $28,598 but accumulating a crushing $113,951 in debt. Teaching English as a second language and Liberal Arts both lead to earnings barely above the school's overall median.
The 47% graduation rate signals significant academic risk, meaning you face nearly even odds of leaving without a degree while still owing money. The 79% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition after their first year.
This school makes financial sense only if you plan to study Business Administration and can complete your degree efficiently. Students interested in psychology, architecture, or liberal arts will find much better value elsewhere, particularly given Puerto Rico's limited job market for these fields.
The high percentage of students receiving aid indicates the school may offer decent financial aid packages, but even with assistance, most programs fail to generate sufficient earnings to justify the investment. Unless you have specific ties to Puerto Rico or the Catholic educational mission, other institutions will serve your financial interests better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce worth the cost?
The school has low tuition at $10,082 per year, but graduates earn only $24,908 annually after 10 years. With a 48% graduation rate, many students don't finish their degrees, making the investment risky even at this price point.
What programs at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce have the best ROI?
Business Administration graduates earn $54,713 annually, making it the only program that significantly outpaces the school average. Architecture and Psychology graduates earn around $28,598, while other programs typically lead to below-average salaries.
How much debt do Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with $15,500 in median debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with low post-graduation earnings of $24,908, even this modest debt burden represents a significant portion of annual income.
Does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce have good graduation rates?
Only 48% of students graduate, meaning more than half who enroll never complete their degree. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without receiving the credential needed for better employment opportunities.