Caribbean University-Ponce: $5,966 Tuition

$5,966Tuition

419Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$22,842Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Caribbean University-Ponce

Caribbean University-Ponce serves 419 students in the heart of Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city. This small private university focuses on serving the local Hispanic community, with 100% of students identifying as Hispanic and all coming from Puerto Rico. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention from professors, though the school struggles with keeping students enrolled, as only half return for their second year.

Students pay an average of $6,680 after financial aid, which is quite affordable for a private university. About 75% of students receive Pell Grants, showing this school serves families with limited income. However, graduates face tough economic realities. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings are just $22,842, which is well below the national average for college graduates. Students typically graduate with $10,500 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $111. Only 32% of borrowers are successfully paying down their loans.

The student body is male-heavy, with 65% men and 35% women. Graduation rates tell a concerning story, with only 42% finishing in four years and 42% completing their degree within six years. About half of graduates find employment, but the low earnings suggest many struggle to find well-paying jobs that justify their college investment.

Academics & Faculty

Caribbean University-Ponce serves the local Puerto Rican community with professional and career-focused programs, though students face significant academic challenges. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes and direct access to professors, but the 43.48% four-year graduation rate and 50% retention rate show many students struggle to complete their degrees. The school emphasizes practical training for careers in business, health sciences, and education that serve the local Ponce area. With 100% Hispanic enrollment and all students from Puerto Rico, the university maintains Spanish-language instruction and culturally relevant coursework. However, the low graduation rates suggest students need strong self-motivation and academic preparation to succeed here.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 25.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.7%
Retention Rate: 50.0%
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
Civil Engineering.	Bachelor	$21,964
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 27 programs →

Campus Life

Caribbean University-Ponce sits in Puerto Rico's second-largest city, about 90 minutes south of San Juan. With just 419 students and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know most of your classmates by name within a semester. The campus serves entirely Hispanic students (100%), creating a close-knit community where Spanish flows naturally in hallways and study groups. You'll never need a winter coat here - temperatures hover in the 80s year-round, so pack sunscreen and lightweight clothes instead.

Most students commute from around Ponce since all 419 are in-state residents. The small size means weekends often revolve around group study sessions, local beaches just 15 minutes away, or exploring Ponce's historic downtown with its colorful colonial buildings and museums. The 50% retention rate suggests this tight community isn't for everyone - some students transfer to larger universities for more options. But if you prefer knowing your professors personally and want an affordable education (average net price of $6,680), this could be your place.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 62°–87°F
July Avg: 69°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Caribbean University-Ponce serves exclusively Puerto Rican students, with all 419 enrolled students being Hispanic and from in-state. This reflects the school's mission as a local institution deeply rooted in the Puerto Rican community. The student body is predominantly male at 65%, which often indicates strong programs in fields like business, technology, or health sciences that traditionally attract more men. With 75% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university primarily serves working-class families who want to stay close to home while earning their degrees.

Men: 64.7%
Women: 35.3%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 100.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 74.6%

Location

Caribbean University-Ponce sits in Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city with about 166,000 residents. The campus is roughly 75 miles south of San Juan, the island's capital and main metropolitan area. Ponce is known as "La Perla del Sur" (The Pearl of the South) and serves as the cultural heart of southern Puerto Rico. The city features historic Spanish colonial architecture, museums, and sits near the Caribbean coast. All 419 students come from Puerto Rico, reflecting the university's role serving the local community. The midsize city setting gives students access to urban amenities while maintaining a more intimate feel than San Juan. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Caribbean University-Ponce with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ponce, Puerto Rico 00716-7733

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 is the student body composition at Caribbean University-Ponce?

The university serves 419 students in the heart of Ponce. All students are Hispanic and Puerto Rican residents, creating a tight-knit community with deep local roots. Men make up nearly 65% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally male-dominated fields.

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

Students pay an average net price of $6,680 annually, making it one of Puerto Rico's most affordable private universities. Nearly 75% of students receive financial aid, though only 8% get institutional grants averaging $4,186. The low cost structure keeps median student debt at just $10,500.

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

The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. However, only 50% of students return for their second year, suggesting academic or financial challenges. The intimate campus setting allows professors to work closely with students on practical, career-focused programs.

What are the graduation rates at Caribbean University-Ponce?

About 44% of students graduate within four years, with the six-year rate dropping slightly to 42%. These rates reflect the challenges many working students face in balancing education with family and job responsibilities. The university serves a population where many are first-generation college students navigating higher education.

Where do Caribbean University-Ponce graduates work after college?

About 51% of graduates find employment, with median earnings of $22,842 ten years after graduation. Recent graduates start with median salaries around $15,325 in their first year. The university prepares students for Puerto Rico's local job market, particularly in business and technical fields.

Is Caribbean University-Ponce good for students needing financial support?

The university serves primarily low-income students, with 75% qualifying for Pell Grants. Monthly loan payments average just $111, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability. However, only 32% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, indicating post-graduation financial challenges in the local economy.