At $7,635/yr net price, Caribbean University-Carolina graduates earn $22,842/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,635 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $22,842/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-11,158/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,635/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $29,141 | $19,291 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $23,745 | $20,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $16,478 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $16,015 | $12,600 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Bachelor | $14,935 | $15,250 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $12,776 | $7,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $12,221 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $11,388 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.0% of students at Caribbean University-Carolina graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Caribbean University-Carolina delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $22,842 ten years after graduation despite a relatively low net price of $7,635 annually. The graduation rate of 44% means more than half of students never complete their programs, making this a high-risk investment.
Education majors provide the strongest financial outcomes at this campus. Curriculum and Instruction graduates earn $29,141 annually, while Special Education majors reach $23,745. However, both programs saddle students with debt loads near $20,000. Criminal Justice graduates face particularly poor prospects, earning only $16,015 with $12,600 in debt. Nursing assistants earn just $14,935 despite borrowing $15,250.
The 57% retention rate signals that many students struggle to progress through their programs. With 72% of students receiving financial aid, most families rely heavily on assistance to afford attendance. The low debt loads suggest either limited borrowing capacity or programs that don't justify higher educational investments.
This school works best for local students pursuing teaching careers who can leverage Puerto Rico's specific education employment market and bilingual advantages. You should avoid Caribbean University-Carolina if you need strong earning potential, plan to work outside Puerto Rico's limited job market, or want programs with solid completion rates. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings makes this a poor choice for most students seeking financial mobility through higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caribbean University-Carolina worth the cost?
Caribbean University-Carolina has a low net price at $7,635 per year, but graduates earn only $22,842 annually after 10 years. The 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making the investment risky even at this lower cost.
What are the best paying programs at Caribbean University-Carolina?
Curriculum and Instruction graduates earn the highest at $29,141 annually, followed by Special Education at $23,745. Most other programs, including Criminal Justice and Nursing Assistant tracks, produce earnings below $17,000 per year.
How much debt do Caribbean University-Carolina graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $10,500, which helps offset the lower earnings potential. However, with many graduates earning under $25,000 annually, even this modest debt load can be challenging to repay.
What is the graduation rate at Caribbean University-Carolina?
Only 44% of students graduate from Caribbean University-Carolina. This means more than half of students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying debt but without the credentials to improve their earning potential.