At $6,680/yr net price, Caribbean University-Ponce graduates earn $22,842/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,680 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,720 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $22,842/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-11,158/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.7% |
| 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 | $6,680/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 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $21,964 | |
| 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
41.7% of students at Caribbean University-Ponce 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-Ponce offers one of Puerto Rico's lowest net prices at $6,680 annually, but the financial outcomes are concerning. With median 10-year earnings of just $22,842 and a graduation rate under 42%, your investment faces significant risks.
Education majors provide the strongest financial returns at this campus. Curriculum and Instruction graduates earn $29,141, while Special Education majors reach $23,745. These programs align with Puerto Rico's demand for bilingual educators and offer the clearest path to positive ROI despite carrying debt loads around $19,000-$20,000.
Avoid Criminal Justice and general Teacher Education programs here. Criminal Justice graduates earn only $16,015 with $12,600 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Teacher Education majors fare even worse at $16,478 annually. Civil Engineering shows middling results at $21,964 but lacks debt data for full assessment.
The 50% retention rate signals academic and financial struggles among students. Many transfer or drop out, losing their initial investment. If you're considering this school, you need strong academic preparation and clear career goals in education to justify the risk.
Caribbean University-Ponce works best for Spanish-English bilingual students committed to teaching careers who want to stay in Puerto Rico. The low sticker price and high financial aid participation make it accessible, but the poor graduation rates mean you must be prepared to succeed where half of your peers will not. Consider mainland alternatives if you're uncertain about your academic readiness or career direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caribbean University-Ponce worth the cost?
Caribbean University-Ponce has a low net price at $6,680 per year, but graduates earn only $22,842 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 41.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Caribbean University-Ponce?
Curriculum and Instruction offers the highest earning potential at $29,141 annually, followed by Special Education at $23,745. Civil Engineering graduates earn $21,964, while Criminal Justice majors start at just $16,015.
How much debt do Caribbean University-Ponce graduates have?
The median debt is $10,500, which is relatively manageable given the low cost of attendance. However, with graduates earning around $22,842 annually, loan payments could still strain budgets.
Does Caribbean University-Ponce have good financial aid?
The net price of $6,680 suggests decent financial aid availability, making the school affordable upfront. The bigger concern is whether the low post-graduation earnings justify even this modest investment.