Caribbean University-Carolina: $5,966 Tuition

$5,966Tuition

113Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$22,842Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Caribbean University-Carolina

Caribbean University-Carolina serves just 113 students in a tight-knit academic community outside San Juan. The small private institution operates on a semester system and maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. This historically Hispanic-serving university focuses on providing accessible higher education to Puerto Rican students, with 100% of the student body coming from in-state. Women make up over three-quarters of enrollment at 76.11%, reflecting the school's appeal in traditionally female-dominated fields.

Students pay an average net price of $7,635 after financial aid, with 71.76% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $22,842 ten years after graduation, though early career earnings start much lower at $15,325 in the first year. Monthly loan payments average just $111, keeping debt manageable with a median of $10,500. However, only about half of graduates find employment within the typical tracking period.

The retention picture tells a challenging story. Just 57.14% of students return for their second year, and graduation rates hover around 41-44% within four to six years. The loan repayment rate of 31.96% suggests many graduates struggle financially after leaving. Students considering this institution should weigh the affordable tuition against the mixed outcomes data.

Academics & Faculty

Caribbean University-Carolina serves a focused student body of 113 students with an intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The university operates within Puerto Rico's higher education landscape, offering programs primarily in Spanish to its 100% Hispanic student population. However, the 41% four-year graduation rate and 44% six-year completion rate suggest students face significant academic or financial challenges. The low 57% retention rate indicates many students struggle to persist through their first year. Despite the small class sizes and potential for personalized attention, academic outcomes lag behind national averages. The university's role appears to be providing accessible higher education to local Puerto Rican students, though completion remains a persistent challenge.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 41.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.0%
Retention Rate: 57.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $22,842
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$29,141
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$23,745
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$16,478
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$16,015
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Bachelor	$14,935
Social Work.	Bachelor	$12,776
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$12,221
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Associate	$11,388

View all 17 programs →

Campus Life

Caribbean University-Carolina serves 113 students in the suburbs of Carolina, about 20 minutes from San Juan's metropolitan energy. The student body is 76% women and entirely Hispanic, creating a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. Year-round tropical temperatures mean you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, with trade winds providing relief from the Caribbean heat.

The 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals personally. Most students commute from nearby neighborhoods since campus housing is limited at this small institution. Weekends often involve trips to nearby beaches or exploring Old San Juan's historic cobblestone streets. The university focuses heavily on professional programs, particularly in health sciences and business, preparing students for Puerto Rico's growing healthcare and service sectors. With 71% of students receiving financial aid, the community understands the value of education as economic opportunity. Students frequently study together in small groups, taking advantage of the intimate academic environment that larger universities cannot provide.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 70°–83°F
July Avg: 76°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 65.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Caribbean University-Carolina draws exclusively Hispanic students from Puerto Rico who value affordable education close to home. Women make up 76% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like education and health sciences. Nearly 72% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking upward mobility. The small enrollment of 113 students creates an intimate learning environment with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Most students are local residents who see this as their pathway to professional careers without leaving the island.

Men: 23.9%
Women: 76.1%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 100.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 71.8%

Location

Caribbean University-Carolina sits in Carolina, Puerto Rico, about 20 miles east of San Juan in the metropolitan area. The campus serves a small student body of just 113 students in a large suburban setting. Carolina offers proximity to both urban amenities and coastal attractions, with beaches and the El Yunque National Forest nearby. The university draws entirely from Puerto Rico, with 100% of students coming from in-state. This coastal location provides access to internships and job opportunities in the greater San Juan metropolitan region while maintaining a quieter suburban campus environment. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Caribbean University-Carolina with similar schools in the region.

Address: Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $22,842
Median Earnings (5 years): $24,089
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $18,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Caribbean University-Carolina?

Caribbean University-Carolina maintains a 57.14% retention rate among first-year students. The small campus in suburban Carolina serves a tight-knit community of 113 students with an intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio.

How much does Caribbean University-Carolina cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,635 annually at Caribbean University-Carolina. With tuition set at $5,966 and 71.76% of students receiving financial aid, most graduates leave with a manageable median debt of $10,500.

What is the academic environment like at Caribbean University-Carolina?

Caribbean University-Carolina operates on a semester system with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The university is known for serving the local Puerto Rican community, with 100% Hispanic enrollment and strong ties to regional workforce development.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Caribbean University-Carolina?

Caribbean University-Carolina achieves a 44% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $22,842 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate stands at 51.1%, reflecting the university's focus on practical career preparation for local students.

Where is Caribbean University-Carolina located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Carolina, Puerto Rico, serving 113 students in an intimate setting. Women make up 76.11% of the student body, creating a predominantly female academic environment with strong community connections.

Does Caribbean University-Carolina serve primarily local students?

Caribbean University-Carolina enrolls 100% in-state students, making it a truly local institution. The university has built its reputation as a community-focused Hispanic-serving institution, with 100% Hispanic enrollment and deep roots in Puerto Rican higher education.