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's financial picture is weak. Ten years after enrolling, your median earnings sit at $25,272 a year. That's below what many high school graduates earn and near the low end for any four-year degree in the U.S. The upside is that you don't take on much debt to get there. Median debt is $5,457, so you won't leave buried in loans. But low debt paired with low earnings means the degree itself does little to lift your income.
The program numbers are the real warning. Every top-earning bachelor's program here reports earnings under $20,000 a year. Film and Video leads at $19,227, followed by Computer Software and Media Applications at $15,552. Design and Graphic Communications land even lower. These are the school's best-paying majors, and none of them clear $20k. If you're choosing Atlantic for a creative or media field expecting it to pay off financially, it won't, at least based on these outcomes.
Completion is another risk. Only about 36 of every 100 students graduate, and roughly a quarter don't return after the first year. If you leave without the degree, you carry whatever cost you paid with nothing to show for it.
The net price is genuinely low, which is the school's main financial argument. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $5,596 a year. even in the $75-110k band you pay under $10k. That affordability matters most if you're staying in Puerto Rico and value the low cost over earnings potential.
Atlantic fits you if cost and staying local outweigh income. If you need the degree to raise your earnings, look elsewhere.
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.