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Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Puerto Rico

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Colegio Universitario de San Juan stands apart with nursing programs at just $200 net cost, making it the most affordable option among Puerto Rico's 20 nursing schools by a significant margin. This public institution demonstrates how state funding can dramatically reduce educational expenses compared to private alternatives that range up to $7,668 annually. The island's healthcare system relies heavily on bilingual nursing professionals, particularly as medical tourism grows and mainland healthcare networks expand operations in Puerto Rico. With earnings potential reaching $25,510 for graduates from programs like Columbia Central University-Caguas, students can see strong returns on their investment. The wide cost spectrum reflects Puerto Rico's mixed educational market, where community colleges and public universities compete alongside private institutions. Graduation rates vary considerably across programs, from 23.6% at some campuses to over 74% at Dewey University-Manati, suggesting that school selection impacts both immediate costs and long-term success in completing nursing education.
38
Programs
$200 – $17,687
Net Price Range
$19,008
Avg. Program Earnings
44.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $200 $2,340 30.1% 98.5%
2 $2,879 $6,560 54.9%
3 $3,645 $7,630 62.0%
4 $4,039 $7,630 74.3%
5 $4,142 $7,630 70.8%
6 $4,181 $7,314 53.9%
7 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
8 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
9 $4,704 $6,970 52.2%
10 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
11 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
12 $6,326 54.9%
13 $6,544 $8,198 42.6%
14 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
15 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
16 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
17 $7,589 $9,489 33.3% 100.0%
18 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
19 $7,619 $7,050 80.0%
20 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
21 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
22 $8,121 $7,050 36.4% 94.7%
23 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
24 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
25 $8,618 $7,050 57.6%
26 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
27 $8,932 $5,580 39.4% 47.0%
28 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
29 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
30 $9,104 $8,520 58.1%
31 $9,418 $12,900 44.0%
32 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
33 $11,759 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
34 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
35 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
36 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
37 $14,817 $12,900 25.8%
38 $17,687 $10,504 77.8% 44.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colegio Universitario de San Juan so much cheaper than other nursing programs?

As a public institution, Colegio Universitario de San Juan offers nursing education at just $200 net cost compared to private schools averaging $4,000-$7,000 annually. The school maintains a 98.46% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. State funding allows the college to keep tuition at $2,340 for in-state students while still producing graduates earning $20,140 annually.

How do graduation rates compare across Puerto Rico's nursing programs?

Graduation rates span from 23.6% at EDP University's San Juan campus to 74.3% at Dewey University-Manati, showing significant variation in student success. The Dewey University system consistently performs well, with three campuses achieving graduation rates above 60%. Community colleges like Humacao maintain solid 54.9% completion rates at lower net costs around $2,879.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment at higher-cost schools?

Columbia Central University-Caguas graduates earn $25,510 annually despite the school's $4,181 net cost, representing the highest earning potential among affordable options. However, schools like Colegio Universitario de San Juan produce graduates earning $20,140 at just $200 net cost, offering better return on investment. The $5,370 earnings difference may not justify paying 20 times more for education.

Does student debt vary significantly across Puerto Rico's nursing schools?

Student debt ranges from $5,500 at Inter American University-Barranquitas to $16,669 at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus. The Dewey University system maintains consistent $5,957 debt levels across all campuses while achieving strong graduation rates. EDP University campuses carry higher $16,500 debt loads but produce graduates earning $22,602, partially offsetting the additional borrowing costs.

Where can students find the best combination of affordability and outcomes?

Dewey University-Manati offers the strongest combination with a 74.3% graduation rate, $4,039 net cost, and graduates earning $20,140 with just $5,957 in debt. Colegio Universitario de San Juan provides unmatched affordability at $200 net cost but has a lower 30.1% graduation rate. Students should weigh the $3,839 cost difference against Dewey's significantly higher completion rates when making decisions.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.