University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo at a Glance
The University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo is a public college in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. It is part of the University of Puerto Rico. UPR-Arecibo was previously the Colegio Regional de Arecibo and Colegio Universitario Tecnológico de Arecibo.
1967
59 years old
2,875
257
Identity
Is University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $30,512 — 43% below average — while paying $10,680/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 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 $4,500 is manageable at just 15% of first-year post-graduation earnings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in PR
Ranked #12 of 30 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 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #3 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #4 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #5 | Trinidad State College | 47 | $10,772 | $36,475 |
| #6 | Eastern Arizona College | 43 | $9,197 | $38,018 |
| #12 | University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo | 37 | $10,680 | $30,512 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in PR.
Best Programs at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
The highest-earning program at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at $16,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $7,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduate from University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo earns $16,200, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $7,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates carry $4,650 in median debt vs. $5,500 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,680/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $16,200 | $16,200 | $4,650 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $15,000 | $15,000 | N/A |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | $10,000 | $10,000 | $4,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $9,500 | $9,500 | $5,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $7,900 | $7,900 | $5,500 |
Similar Colleges in PR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Arecibo, PR
- Student Body
- 2,669 students
- Admission Rate
- 59%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,680
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $30,512
- Median Student Debt
- $4,500