Caribbean University-Vega Baja: $5,966 Tuition

$5,966Tuition

176Students

63%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$22,842Earnings

#6 in Puerto RicoPrivate nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Caribbean University-Vega Baja

Caribbean University's Vega Baja campus serves 176 students in a suburban Puerto Rican setting focused on practical career preparation. The small private university emphasizes hands-on learning with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Women make up 70% of the student body, and the campus draws exclusively from Puerto Rico's local communities. The intimate size allows professors to know students personally and provide individualized attention.

Students pay an average net price of $6,310 after aid, making this one of Puerto Rico's more affordable private options. Nearly 80% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $22,842 ten years after starting college. Students typically graduate with $10,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $111. The low debt burden helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings common in Puerto Rico's economy.

Only 33% of students finish their degree in four years, though 63% eventually graduate within six years. The 69% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic transition or financial pressures. About half of graduates find employment after finishing their studies. The university serves students from working-class backgrounds who often balance school with family and work responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Caribbean University-Vega Baja operates as a small private university serving Puerto Rico's local community with focused professional programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. However, only 33% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and family responsibilities common in the region. The university emphasizes practical career preparation in fields like business, education, and health sciences that serve local employment needs. Nearly 80% of students receive financial aid, making higher education accessible to working-class Puerto Rican families. The semester system allows flexibility for students juggling multiple commitments while pursuing their degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 33.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 62.5%
Retention Rate: 68.8%
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 20 programs →

Campus Life

Caribbean University-Vega Baja sits in a suburban community about 30 miles west of San Juan, placing students within reach of Puerto Rico's capital while maintaining a quieter campus atmosphere. With just 176 students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know most of your classmates by name. The campus operates on a semester system in a tropical climate where you'll need sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats.

Women make up 70% of the student body, and 100% of students are Hispanic, creating a tight-knit community rooted in Puerto Rican culture. With 79% of students receiving financial aid and similar numbers qualifying for Pell Grants, most students work to support their studies. The small size means weekends often center around family and local community rather than traditional campus activities. Students typically commute from nearby towns since residential options are limited. The proximity to beaches and San Juan provides weekend escape options, though many students balance social time with work commitments given the economic realities reflected in the median earnings of $22,842 ten years after graduation.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 65°–81°F
July Avg: 72°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Caribbean University-Vega Baja draws exclusively from Puerto Rico's local communities, reflecting its deep roots in serving Hispanic students across the island. Nearly 80% of students receive Pell Grants, making this an access point for lower-income families seeking affordable higher education. Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, typical for institutions emphasizing health sciences, education, and business programs. The small enrollment of 176 students creates an intimate campus environment where professors know every student. This university functions as a local pathway to professional careers for Puerto Rican families.

Men: 29.6%
Women: 70.5%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 100.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 79.4%

Location

Caribbean University-Vega Baja sits in the coastal town of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, about 30 miles west of San Juan. The campus serves a tight-knit community of just 176 students in Puerto Rico's northern coastal region. Vega Baja offers proximity to both Atlantic beaches and the island's mountainous interior, giving students access to diverse recreational opportunities. The town maintains a relaxed, small-community atmosphere while remaining connected to Puerto Rico's economic and cultural center in the San Juan metropolitan area. All students come from within Puerto Rico, creating a deeply local academic environment. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Caribbean University-Vega Baja with similar schools in the region.

Address: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico 00964

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 at Caribbean University-Vega Baja?

The school serves 176 students in a small, close-knit academic environment. Caribbean University-Vega Baja focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local Puerto Rican community with personalized attention through its 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

How much does Caribbean University-Vega Baja cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,310 annually, making it an affordable option for higher education. Nearly 80% of students receive financial aid, and the median debt load of $10,500 keeps borrowing manageable for graduates.

What is the academic experience like at Caribbean University-Vega Baja?

The university operates on a semester system with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. However, the 68.75% retention rate suggests some students face challenges completing their studies in this small suburban setting.

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

About 33% of students graduate within four years, while 62.5% complete their degrees within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $22,842 ten years after enrollment, though only 51.1% are employed, reflecting economic challenges in Puerto Rico.

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

The campus sits in Vega Baja, a large suburban community in northern Puerto Rico. With 176 total students and a predominantly female student body at 70.45%, the university creates an intimate academic community focused on serving local educational needs.

Does Caribbean University-Vega Baja serve a specific student population?

The university serves 100% Hispanic students, all from Puerto Rico, making it a deeply rooted institution in the local community. Nearly 80% of students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's commitment to serving first-generation and low-income college students.