Columbia Central University-Caguas: $7,314 Tuition

$7,314Tuition

2,494Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$23,134Earnings

#15 in Puerto RicoPrivate forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Columbia Central University-Caguas

Columbia Central University-Caguas serves primarily working adults and non-traditional students in Puerto Rico's central mountain region. The university enrolls 2,494 students and operates on a trimester system that allows for flexible scheduling. Nearly all students (99.84%) are Hispanic, reflecting the school's deep roots in the local community. Women make up 71.45% of the student body. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small classes.

Students pay an average net price of $4,181 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private options in Puerto Rico. Over 80% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $23,134 ten years after starting school. The typical monthly loan payment of $65 reflects the low median debt of $6,148. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $3,769.

The 53.90% six-year graduation rate and 45.83% retention rate suggest students face significant challenges balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Only 54.3% of graduates find employment in their field of study. The school primarily serves students who need flexible scheduling and affordable tuition rather than those seeking a traditional college experience.

Academics & Faculty

Columbia Central University-Caguas operates as a private for-profit institution serving Puerto Rico's local workforce needs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio provides intimate classroom settings for the 2,494 enrolled students. However, the 45.83% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled past their first year. The school awards 56.93% of students their degrees within four years, which drops to 53.90% over six years. These completion rates reflect challenges common among for-profit institutions serving primarily Hispanic students from lower-income families. The university focuses on practical, career-oriented programs designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in the Puerto Rican job market rather than traditional liberal arts education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 56.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.9%
Retention Rate: 45.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $23,134
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$47,650
Bioethics/Medical Ethics.	Master	$46,673
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$41,205
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$33,993
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$25,510
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$14,524
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$13,085

View all 34 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Columbia Central University-Caguas navigate a small-city campus environment where 71% of peers are women, creating a female-majority academic setting. The Puerto Rican location means year-round tropical weather with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s, so students pack light clothing and sunscreen rather than winter coats. Caguas sits about 20 miles south of San Juan, giving students access to the capital's internships and cultural scene while maintaining a more intimate college atmosphere.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in most classes. With 99.84% Hispanic enrollment and all students from in-state, campus culture reflects strong Puerto Rican traditions and community ties. Many students commute from nearby neighborhoods since most private colleges in Puerto Rico don't emphasize residential life. Weekends often involve family gatherings, beach trips to the coast, or exploring San Juan's historic districts. The trimester calendar system keeps the academic pace brisk, with 80.82% of students receiving financial aid to manage the relatively affordable $7,314 tuition.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Trimester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 61°–84°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 64.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Columbia Central University-Caguas serves Puerto Rico's working-class communities with 2,494 students who are almost entirely Hispanic and local residents. Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare, education, and business programs that traditionally attract female students. About 81% receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making higher education accessible to low-income families. The small class sizes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio provide personalized attention that first-generation college students often need to succeed.

Men: 28.6%
Women: 71.5%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 99.8%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 80.8%

Location

Caguas sits in central Puerto Rico, about 20 miles south of San Juan, the island's capital and largest metropolitan area. The city serves as a regional center for the central mountain region, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and coffee plantations. With a population around 140,000, Caguas offers a mid-sized urban environment that blends modern amenities with traditional Puerto Rican culture. The area is known for its strong agricultural heritage and serves as an important commercial center for the island's interior. Columbia Central University draws from this diverse regional population, with 100% of its 2,494 students coming from in-state. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Columbia Central University-Caguas with similar schools in the region.

Address: Caguas, Puerto Rico 00726

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $23,134
Median Earnings (5 years): $25,162
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $20,100
Monthly Loan Payment: $65/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,148

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Columbia Central University-Caguas?

The university enrolls 2,494 students with women making up 71.45% of the student body. Nearly all students are Hispanic (99.84%) and come from Puerto Rico, creating a tight-knit community where everyone shares cultural connections. The student-faculty ratio of 9:1 allows for personalized attention in this predominantly female environment.

How much does Columbia Central University-Caguas cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,181 after aid, making this one of the most affordable private universities. With 80.82% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school serves primarily low-income families seeking career-focused education. Monthly loan payments average just $65, reflecting the institution's commitment to keeping debt manageable.

What are the graduation rates at Columbia Central University-Caguas?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 53.90%, while the four-year rate reaches 56.93%. However, the retention rate of 45.83% suggests many students struggle to persist through their first year. The school operates on a trimester system, which can help students accelerate their studies but requires strong time management skills.

How much do graduates of Columbia Central University-Caguas typically earn?

Recent graduates earn a median of $18,044 in their first year after graduation, rising to $23,134 after ten years. These earnings reflect Puerto Rico's lower cost of living and the university's focus on local career preparation. With an employment rate of 54.3%, graduates enter a competitive job market that values practical skills over prestige.

Where is Columbia Central University-Caguas located and what is the setting like?

The campus sits in Caguas, a small city in central Puerto Rico known as the "Heart of Puerto Rico." All students are in-state residents, creating strong ties to the local community and regional employers. The small city setting provides internship opportunities while maintaining lower living costs than San Juan.

Does Columbia Central University-Caguas offer good financial aid beyond federal programs?

Only 11.67% of students receive institutional grants, but those who do get an average of $7,395. The school relies heavily on federal aid rather than its own scholarship programs, with 17.22% of students taking federal loans. This approach keeps tuition at $7,314 while ensuring most students graduate with minimal debt.