At $6,305/yr net price, Atlantic University graduates earn $25,272/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,305 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $25,272/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-8,728/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,457 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,596/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,663/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,039/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,843/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $19,227 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $18,771 | $16,220 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $15,552 | $4,049 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $13,496 | |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $12,961 | $5,440 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at Atlantic University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Atlantic University delivers poor financial returns despite its low sticker price. The $25,272 median earnings after graduation barely exceed what you could earn with a high school diploma, making the four-year investment questionable even at $6,305 annually.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across Atlantic's creative programs. Film and video graduates earn just $19,227 after ten years, while design majors max out around $18,771. Computer software graduates fare slightly better at $15,552 but still struggle to reach living wages in Puerto Rico's economy. These numbers suggest the creative focus that defines Atlantic fails to translate into financial stability for most graduates.
Your biggest risk lies in the 35% graduation rate. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 73% retention rate means you face significant odds of dropping out after your first year, making Atlantic a gamble even at its low cost.
Atlantic works financially if you plan to stay in Puerto Rico, need extensive financial aid, and can commit to finishing your degree. The high aid percentage means most students receive support, and the low debt levels prevent crushing loan burdens. However, mainland career prospects look limited with these earning levels.
Skip Atlantic if you need strong post-graduation earnings or plan to work outside Puerto Rico. The creative programs produce graduates who struggle financially, and the low completion rates suggest systemic academic challenges that increase your dropout risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlantic University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Atlantic University has a very low net price at $6,305 per year, but graduates earn just $25,272 annually after 10 years. This puts it below average for college ROI, though the low cost and debt levels reduce financial risk.
What are the best paying programs at Atlantic University?
Film/Video and Photographic Arts leads at $19,227 annually, followed by Design and Applied Arts at $18,771. However, all top programs at Atlantic University pay significantly below national averages for college graduates.
How much debt do Atlantic University graduates typically have?
Atlantic University graduates have a median debt of just $5,457, which is much lower than the national average. The low debt load helps offset the below-average earning potential after graduation.
Does Atlantic University have a good graduation rate?
Atlantic University's graduation rate is 35.7%, which is below the national average and indicates many students do not complete their degrees. This poor completion rate is a major concern for return on investment.