University of Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Puerto Rico at a Glance
The University of Puerto Rico is the main public university system in the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is a government-owned corporation with 11 campuses and approximately 44,200 students and approximately 4,450 faculty members. UPR has the largest and most diverse academic offerings in the commonwealth, with 472 academic programs of which 32 lead to a doctorate.
1903
123 years old
$1.5B
$1.52 billion (2014)
44,233
4,448
Is University of Puerto Rico Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, University of Puerto Rico is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,409 — 36% below average — while paying $8,484/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Median student debt of $5,500 is manageable at just 16% of first-year post-graduation earnings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Puerto Rico has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Puerto Rico compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #37 of 68 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #37 | University of Puerto Rico | 35 | $8,484 | $34,409 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Puerto Rico's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Puerto Rico
The highest-earning program at University of Puerto Rico is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $13,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Accounting and Related Services at $11,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from University of Puerto Rico earns $13,800, while a Accounting and Related Services graduate earns $11,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,484/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) |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $13,800 | $13,800 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $13,200 | $13,200 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $11,700 | $11,700 |
Similar Colleges in PR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Bayamon, PR
- Student Body
- 2,851 students
- Admission Rate
- 35%
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,484
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,409
- Median Student Debt
- $5,500