Practical Nursing at Caribbean University-Ponce

Ponce, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $10,084/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Low (18% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)
ROI 18.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #4 of 6 Practical Nursing programs

Program Analysis

This program provides a direct entry into the essential, hands-on healthcare roles needed across Puerto Rico. The earnings figures reflect the distinct economic landscape of the island, where wages in many sectors, including healthcare, operate on a different scale compared to the mainland U.S. You'll find strong demand for these roles in local hospitals like Hospital Damas or Hospital Metropolitano Dr. Pila in Ponce, as well as numerous clinics and long-term care facilities. The practical, vocational training here equips you directly for these immediate community needs, offering a stable career path with inherent low AI risk due to its person-centric nature. Many graduates also leverage these foundational certifications as a stepping stone, using their experience to pursue advanced nursing degrees down the line. To maximize your prospects, focus on excelling in your clinical rotations and building strong professional networks within Ponce's healthcare community.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Practical Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $443K $444K $438K
Earnings Multiple 18.6x 18.6x 18.4x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 85% 76%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$23,864
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$26,720
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
18.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,029
188% growth from Year 1

About Caribbean University-Ponce

a compact campus enrolling 419 students in Ponce, PR. Pell Grant recipients make up 75% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Caribbean University-Ponce →

Top Career Paths

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses $62,340/yr
Nursing assistants $39,530/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at Caribbean University-Ponce?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Practical Nursing. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Practical Nursing at Caribbean University-Ponce worth the student debt?
Median debt of $15,250 against $10,084/yr starting salary means roughly 1.5 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from Caribbean University-Ponce?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →