At $6,310/yr net price, Caribbean University-Vega Baja graduates earn $22,842/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,310 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $22,842/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-11,158/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.5% |
| 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 | $6,310/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
62.5% of students at Caribbean University-Vega Baja graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Caribbean University-Vega Baja delivers poor return on investment despite its low $6,310 annual net price. Your median earnings of $22,842 ten years after graduation place you well below the poverty line for a family, making this one of the weakest financial outcomes among Puerto Rican universities.
Education majors represent your only viable financial path here. Curriculum and Instruction graduates earn $29,141 annually with manageable $19,291 debt loads, while Special Education majors see $23,745 earnings. These teaching-focused programs align with Puerto Rico's public school system needs and provide your clearest route to financial stability.
Avoid Criminal Justice and Nursing programs at this campus. Criminal Justice graduates earn just $16,015 annually, barely above minimum wage, while Practical Nursing majors face the worst scenario with only $14,935 in earnings against $15,250 in debt. The nursing program appears particularly weak compared to other Puerto Rican institutions.
The 62.5% graduation rate and 68.75% retention rate signal academic struggles that compound financial risks. Nearly one in three students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. If you struggle academically or need extensive support services, your chances of completing a program here drop significantly.
This school works financially only if you plan to teach in Puerto Rico's public schools and can complete your degree in four years. The low net price makes it accessible, but the poor earnings outcomes mean you should seriously consider community college alternatives or stronger four-year programs elsewhere in Puerto Rico. Your financial future depends on choosing teaching over other majors offered here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caribbean University-Vega Baja worth the cost?
With median earnings of $22,842 ten years after graduation and a net price of $6,310 annually, Caribbean University-Vega Baja offers limited financial returns. The relatively low debt load of $10,500 helps, but most graduates earn less than $25,000 annually.
What are the best paying majors at Caribbean University-Vega Baja?
Curriculum and Instruction graduates earn the highest median salary at $29,141, followed by Special Education at $23,745. Most other programs, including Criminal Justice and Nursing Assistants, lead to earnings below $17,000.
How much debt do Caribbean University-Vega Baja graduates have?
The median debt is $10,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with most graduates earning under $23,000 annually, even this modest debt can be challenging to repay.
What is the graduation rate at Caribbean University-Vega Baja?
Caribbean University-Vega Baja has a 62.5% graduation rate. This means nearly 4 in 10 students who enroll don't complete their degree, adding to the financial risk of attending.