NUC University
NUC University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
NUC University at a Glance
Northbridge University, is the largest for-profit private university in Puerto Rico with its main campus in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The university was founded in 1982 as the National College, and offers undergraduate studies and graduate studies in health, business administration, education, information technology, and criminal justice.
1982
44 years old
20,000
221
Identity
Is NUC University Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, NUC University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $24,785 — 54% below average — while paying $8,920/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at NUC University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How NUC University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 10 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | American Public University System | 64 | $9,597 | $44,409 |
| #2 | NUC University | 38 | $8,920 | $24,785 |
| #3 | Columbia Southern University | 38 | $14,580 | $63,534 |
| #4 | Chamberlain University-Illinois | 33 | $31,837 | $92,405 |
| #5 | ECPI University | 20 | $22,965 | $42,837 |
| #6 | Capella University | 16 | $17,956 | $42,189 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of NUC University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at NUC University
The highest-earning program at NUC University is Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at $23,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $16,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduate from NUC University earns $23,500, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $16,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates carry $13,994 in median debt vs. $15,272 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,920/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | $23,500 | $23,500 | $13,994 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $20,300 | $20,300 | $13,499 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $19,200 | $19,200 | $19,833 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $19,100 | $19,100 | $20,266 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $16,300 | $16,300 | $15,272 |
Similar Colleges in PR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Bayamon, PR
- Student Body
- 28,918 students
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,920
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $24,785
- Median Student Debt
- $9,500