Atlantic University: $8,280 Tuition

$8,280Tuition

1,517Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$25,272Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Atlantic University

This Puerto Rican institution serves 1,517 students in the small city setting of Guaynabo. Atlantic University has built its reputation around serving the local Hispanic community since 1930. The school operates on a quarter system and maintains strong ties to Puerto Rico's business and professional networks. With a student body that is 100% Hispanic and entirely from Puerto Rico, the university creates a tight-knit cultural environment.

Students pay an average net price of $6,305 after financial aid, with 83.51% receiving some form of assistance. The low tuition reflects the school's mission to serve local students, but graduates face challenging economic realities. Median earnings reach just $25,272 ten years after graduation, while graduates carry relatively modest debt loads of $5,457. Monthly loan payments average only $58, making the financial burden manageable despite lower post-graduation incomes.

The academic experience comes with trade-offs that students should consider carefully. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes and less individual attention. Only 35.7% of students graduate within six years, and just 37.6% find employment shortly after completing their studies. The 73% retention rate suggests many students struggle to persist through their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Atlantic University operates on a quarter system that allows students to accelerate their studies across multiple program areas. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes and less individual attention from professors. Only 35.7% of students graduate within six years, reflecting academic challenges that many students face. The school serves primarily working adults and first-generation college students who often balance jobs with coursework. As a Hispanic-serving institution, Atlantic University focuses on business, education, and health sciences programs that connect to Puerto Rico's local economy. The quarter system can help motivated students complete degrees faster, but the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to persist through their programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Full-Time Faculty: 88.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.7%
Retention Rate: 73.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $25,272
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.	Bachelor	$19,227
Design and Applied Arts.	Master	$18,771
Computer Software and Media Applications.	Bachelor	$15,552
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$13,496
Graphic Communications.	Bachelor	$12,961

View all 13 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Atlantic University experience year-round tropical weather in Guaynabo, a small city just outside San Juan. You'll need sunscreen, not winter coats. The 1,517-student campus draws entirely from Puerto Rico, creating a tight-knit Hispanic community where Spanish flows naturally through daily conversations.

The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the quarter system keeps academics moving at a quick pace. With 83.51% of students receiving financial aid, most come from working-class families balancing studies with jobs. The male-heavy student body (60.65% men) reflects the school's focus on business and technical programs.

Guaynabo sits in the San Juan metropolitan area, giving students access to beaches, shopping, and internship opportunities. The low graduation rates (35.70% in six years) reflect the challenges many face juggling work and school. Those who do graduate typically earn modest salaries, with median earnings of $25,272 ten years out. Campus social life revolves around local restaurants and San Juan's active nightlife scene, easily accessible by car or public transit.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1930

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 66°–84°F
July Avg: 72°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 75.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Atlantic University draws exclusively Puerto Rican students who stay close to home in Guaynabo. The student body is 100% Hispanic and entirely in-state, reflecting the university's deep roots in the local community since 1930. Men outnumber women by a significant margin, likely tied to the school's technical and professional programs. Most students come from lower-income families, with over 80% qualifying for Pell Grants. The university serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class Puerto Rican families seeking affordable degrees without leaving the island.

Men: 60.7%
Women: 39.4%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 100.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 83.5%

Location

Atlantic University sits in Guaynabo, a small city in Puerto Rico known for its upscale residential areas and proximity to San Juan. The campus is just 10 miles from Puerto Rico's capital and largest metropolitan area. Guaynabo ranks among the island's wealthiest municipalities and serves as a major business center. The tropical setting offers year-round warm weather and easy access to beaches. All 1,517 students come from within Puerto Rico, reflecting the university's strong local focus. The small city environment provides a more intimate setting compared to bustling San Juan while maintaining urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Atlantic University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00970

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $25,272
Median Earnings (5 years): $25,626
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $16,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $58/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,457

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Atlantic University?

Atlantic University operates with a 73.05% retention rate, suggesting selective but accessible admissions. The small enrollment of 1,517 students creates an intimate educational environment in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

How much does Atlantic University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,305 annually, with 83.51% receiving financial aid. The same percentage qualifies for Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class Puerto Rican families since 1930.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Atlantic University?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 28:1, indicating larger class sizes typical of many regional institutions. Atlantic University operates on a quarter system, allowing for accelerated degree completion for motivated students.

Does Atlantic University have good graduation outcomes?

The six-year graduation rate is 35.70%, while graduates earn a median of $25,272 ten years after enrollment. These outcomes reflect the challenges many first-generation college students face while building careers in Puerto Rico's economy.

Where is Atlantic University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Guaynabo, a small city setting that provides urban amenities with community feel. Men comprise 60.65% of the student body, creating a male-majority environment unusual for many contemporary universities.

Is Atlantic University affordable for low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,596 net price annually, with typical monthly loan payments of only $58. The median debt of $5,457 represents one of the most affordable four-year degree options in the Caribbean.