Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from around $19,000 in arts fields to over $50,000 in information technology and business. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, national and state rankings, and cohort sizes rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 29 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, rankings, and enrollment metrics.
#100 nationally
$40K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national and state rankings, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras.
Computer Science. leads engineering & technology with 54K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #188 | $54,102 | — | 20 |
Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because career markets vary significantly by field. A Biology graduate and an Art History graduate enter different job markets with different salary structures, regardless of institutional quality. These rankings reflect post-graduation labor market results from federal College Scorecard data, measuring actual earnings and debt levels of graduates 4 years after completing their degrees. Rankings compare programs nationally within each field, while state rankings show performance within Puerto Rico. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt to assess return on investment. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates tracked, with larger cohorts providing more reliable outcome estimates. This methodology explains why Applied Linguistics can rank #37 nationally while Psychology ranks #342—different fields simply produce different economic outcomes in the broader economy.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Business programs at UPR-Rio Piedras demonstrate strong earning potential and solid state rankings. Information Resources Management leads with $53,046 median earnings and national recognition, while Accounting Technology ($38,640) and Digital Marketing ($38,759) provide consistent mid-range outcomes.
These programs typically rank #1 or #2 in Puerto Rico despite moderate national standings. Students in this cluster benefit from practical skill development that translates well to the Puerto Rican business environment, with cohort sizes ranging from 32 to 123 graduates annually indicating steady employer demand.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | #100 | $57,851★ | — | 63 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | #49 | $57,201 | — | 122 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | #80 | $53,046 | — | 21 |
| Marketing. | #164 | $46,038 | — | 107 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | #70 | $34,844 | — | 70 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | #350 | $33,833 | — | 40 |
Science programs show strong performance relative to liberal arts alternatives, with Analytical Chemistry leading at $40,064 median earnings and ranking #97 nationally. Biology, the university's largest program with 247 graduates, produces earnings of $34,180 while ranking #1 in Puerto Rico.
These programs demonstrate consistent value scores above 35-40, indicating solid return on investment. Students pursuing this path typically enjoy strong preparation for graduate study, with approximately 22% of university graduates continuing to advanced degrees.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry. | #132 | $43,731★ | — | 64 |
| Biology, General. | #235 | $40,152 | — | 216 |
Social science programs demonstrate moderate earnings with solid state positioning, though national rankings remain lower. American Government and Politics produces $28,029 median earnings while ranking #286 nationally but #2 in Puerto Rico.
Psychology, one of the university's larger programs with 179 graduates, generates $22,761 in median earnings. Forensic Social Work shows specialized focus with $26,069 earnings among 74 graduates.
These programs serve students interested in public service, social work, and policy careers within Puerto Rico's governmental and social service sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government. | #276 | $41,417★ | — | 52 |
| Economics.Small sample | #216 | $38,827 | — | 13 |
| Sociology. | #247 | $35,481 | — | 24 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | #133 | $35,103 | — | 15 |
| Social Work. | #183 | $33,957 | — | 68 |
| Social Sciences, General.Small sample | #43 | $32,433 | — | 13 |
| Geography and Cartography.Small sample | #85 | $31,499 | — | 18 |
| Psychology, General. | #325 | $30,052 | — | 137 |
Communications programs show varied outcomes based on specialization focus. Advertising leads the cluster with $33,962 median earnings and #59 national ranking, demonstrating strong market alignment.
Digital Communication produces $29,011 while Broadcast Journalism generates $22,073, all ranking #1 in Puerto Rico within their specialties. These programs typically maintain smaller cohorts of 34-42 graduates, providing focused professional preparation for Puerto Rico's media and marketing industries with reasonable earning potential relative to other liberal arts alternatives.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | #73 | $40,173★ | — | 34 |
| Journalism. | #115 | $32,524 | — | 21 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | #67 | $24,071 | — | 37 |
Arts and humanities programs demonstrate the university's commitment to cultural education despite modest earnings outcomes. Applied Linguistics stands out with #37 national ranking and #1 state ranking, producing $22,861 median earnings with strong value scores.
Art History ($19,346) and Acting ($19,486) reflect typical creative field earnings but provide cultural value and graduate school preparation. These programs suit students prioritizing cultural engagement and creative development over earnings maximization, with small cohort sizes of 38-131 graduates ensuring personalized attention.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History.Small sample | #277 | $31,943★ | — | 19 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | #26 | $31,930 | — | 113 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | #218 | $24,409 | — | 36 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | #132 | $21,825 | — | 43 |
Education programs reflect the realities of teaching careers in Puerto Rico, with Agricultural Teacher Education producing $21,287 median earnings and Adult Education generating $25,102. Both programs maintain modest value scores but rank #1-#2 within Puerto Rico, indicating limited in-state competition.
These pathways suit students committed to educational service despite lower financial returns. With cohort sizes of 82-88 graduates, these programs provide steady preparation for Puerto Rico's educational workforce while maintaining affordable debt levels that align with teaching salaries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | #150 | $31,848★ | — | 66 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | #229 | $25,442 | — | 75 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 34K on average, with 2 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences. | #6 | $39,675★ | — | 50 |
| Environmental Design. | #10 | $35,023 | — | 44 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #97 | $26,341 | — | 21 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
