About Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo serves 2,275 students in the coastal city of Arecibo as part of the larger Inter American University system. The campus offers programs taught in both Spanish and English, reflecting Puerto Rico's bilingual educational tradition. With a 33% acceptance rate, the university maintains selective admissions while serving the local community. Nearly all students (99%) come from Puerto Rico, creating a tight-knit campus environment focused on serving island residents.
Students pay an average net price of $8,036 after financial aid, with 81% receiving some form of assistance. The same percentage qualifies for Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many students from lower-income families. Graduates earn a median of $24,539 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $9,000. Monthly loan payments average just $95, making the education relatively affordable despite modest post-graduation earnings.
The student body is 64% female and nearly 100% Hispanic, reflecting the local demographics. However, outcomes present challenges: only 35% of students graduate within six years, and 75% return for their second year. The employment rate stands at 52% for graduates. Students work with faculty in a 26:1 ratio, requiring self-motivation to succeed in larger class settings.
Students pay an average net price of $8,036 after financial aid, with 81% receiving some form of assistance. The same percentage qualifies for Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many students from lower-income families. Graduates earn a median of $24,539 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $9,000. Monthly loan payments average just $95, making the education relatively affordable despite modest post-graduation earnings.
The student body is 64% female and nearly 100% Hispanic, reflecting the local demographics. However, outcomes present challenges: only 35% of students graduate within six years, and 75% return for their second year. The employment rate stands at 52% for graduates. Students work with faculty in a 26:1 ratio, requiring self-motivation to succeed in larger class settings.
Academics & Faculty
Inter American University-Arecibo serves Puerto Rico's student population with bilingual programs taught in both Spanish and English. The university maintains a 26:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning larger class sizes that require more student independence. Only 35% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and family responsibilities common in Puerto Rican higher education. The school focuses on practical career preparation with strong programs in business administration, education, and health sciences. Students benefit from culturally relevant coursework designed for the local workforce. Nearly 100% of students are Hispanic, creating a supportive environment where Puerto Rican culture and academic achievement intersect naturally.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 26:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.4%
- Retention Rate
- 75.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $24,539
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $116,458 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $28,236 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $24,421 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
| Biotechnology. | Bachelor | $19,227 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $18,498 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $15,367 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Certificate | $14,935 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $14,627 |
Campus Life
The small city of Arecibo sits on Puerto Rico's northern coast, about an hour and a half from San Juan. Students here trade winter coats for year-round sunscreen and hurricane prep. With 63.52% women and nearly all students from Puerto Rico, campus feels like an extension of the island's close-knit communities.
The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, though getting individual attention requires effort in larger classes. Most students commute from nearby towns since campus housing is limited. Weekends often mean heading to nearby beaches or exploring the famous Arecibo Observatory. The semester system follows a familiar rhythm, with classes conducted in both Spanish and English depending on the program.
Campus culture reflects Puerto Rican traditions with strong family connections. Many students work while studying, which helps explain the 51.8% employment rate but contributes to the 35.40% six-year graduation rate. Social life centers around student organizations and local festivals. With 81.39% receiving financial aid and tuition at $5,580, this university serves students who value affordability and staying close to home.
The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, though getting individual attention requires effort in larger classes. Most students commute from nearby towns since campus housing is limited. Weekends often mean heading to nearby beaches or exploring the famous Arecibo Observatory. The semester system follows a familiar rhythm, with classes conducted in both Spanish and English depending on the program.
Campus culture reflects Puerto Rican traditions with strong family connections. Many students work while studying, which helps explain the 51.8% employment rate but contributes to the 35.40% six-year graduation rate. Social life centers around student organizations and local festivals. With 81.39% receiving financial aid and tuition at $5,580, this university serves students who value affordability and staying close to home.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 61°–79°F
- July Avg
- 66°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 84.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Nearly all students come from Puerto Rico, reflecting the university's deep roots in serving the local community. The student body is almost entirely Hispanic, with women making up about two-thirds of enrollment. This gender split aligns with the university's strong programs in education, nursing, and social services that traditionally attract more female students. Most students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making higher education accessible to working-class Puerto Rican families. The campus draws students who want bilingual education while staying close to home.
- Men
- 36.5%
- Women
- 63.5%
- White
- 0.0%
- Black
- 0.0%
- Hispanic
- 100.0%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 99.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 81.4%
Location
Arecibo sits on Puerto Rico's northern coast about 50 miles west of San Juan. The city of roughly 88,000 residents is famous for hosting the Arecibo Observatory, once home to the world's largest radio telescope. Nearly 100% of students come from within Puerto Rico, reflecting the university's role as a local educational anchor. The campus serves a small city setting where Caribbean beaches meet rolling hills. Students experience a blend of urban amenities and tropical island culture. The area offers internship opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors that drive the local economy. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00614
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $24,539
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $26,609
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
The university accepts 33.31% of applicants, making it moderately selective. As part of the Inter American University system, it serves primarily Hispanic students with 99.96% of the student body identifying as Hispanic.
How much does Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,036 annually, with 81.39% receiving financial aid. The tuition is set at $5,580 for all students regardless of residency status, making it an affordable option for Puerto Rican families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
The student-faculty ratio is 26:1 with an enrollment of 2,275 students. The university offers programs taught in both Spanish and English, serving the bilingual educational needs of Puerto Rico.
What are the graduation rates at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Only 35.40% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 34.32%. The retention rate stands at 75%, indicating that while students stay enrolled, completion remains a challenge at this regional campus.
Where is Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo located?
The campus is situated in Arecibo, a small city in Puerto Rico known for its radio telescope observatory. With 99.24% of students coming from in-state, it primarily serves the local Puerto Rican community.
How much do graduates of Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $24,539 ten years after graduation, with typical student loan payments of $95 per month. The employment rate of 51.8% reflects the economic challenges facing Puerto Rico's job market.
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