University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey at a Glance
The University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPR-Cayey) is a public college in Cayey, Puerto Rico. It is part of the University of Puerto Rico System. It was initially founded as a regional school in 1967 and became a college in 1969. It was awarded autonomy in April 1982.
1967
59 years old
4,128
218
145 acres
Identity
Is University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $30,958 — 42% below average — while paying $10,176/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% 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 $5,000 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 at Cayey has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Puerto Rico at Cayey compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in PR
Ranked #16 of 37 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 | American Samoa Community College | 89 | $3,386 | $30,087 |
| #6 | North Central State College | 71 | $4,687 | $38,158 |
| #16 | University of Puerto Rico at Cayey | 37 | $10,176 | $30,958 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Puerto Rico at Cayey'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 at Cayey
The highest-earning program at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $9,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Accounting and Related Services at $6,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate from University of Puerto Rico at Cayey earns $9,100, while a Accounting and Related Services graduate earns $6,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,176/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 Subject Areas | $9,100 | $9,100 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $6,600 | $6,600 |
Similar Colleges in PR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Cayey, PR
- Student Body
- 2,069 students
- Admission Rate
- 53%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,176
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $30,958
- Median Student Debt
- $5,000