About Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo
This small campus serves 1,149 students in the coastal town of Fajardo, making it one of the more intimate branches in the Inter American University system. The school operates on a semester calendar and maintains strong ties to the local Puerto Rican community. With an acceptance rate of 44.65%, admission is moderately selective. Students benefit from Puerto Rico's bilingual education tradition, though classes are primarily conducted in Spanish.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with mixed long-term returns. Students pay an average net price of $8,787 annually, with 83.48% receiving financial aid. Most graduates carry relatively modest debt loads of $5,750, translating to monthly payments of just $61. However, median earnings ten years after graduation reach only $23,132, which is below the national average for college graduates. The low debt burden helps offset these earnings, making the education financially manageable despite modest career returns.
Women comprise 61.01% of the student body, while 99.04% of students identify as Hispanic. Nearly all students (99.28%) come from Puerto Rico itself. The student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1 means larger class sizes than at many private institutions. The 69.14% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic transition to college-level work.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with mixed long-term returns. Students pay an average net price of $8,787 annually, with 83.48% receiving financial aid. Most graduates carry relatively modest debt loads of $5,750, translating to monthly payments of just $61. However, median earnings ten years after graduation reach only $23,132, which is below the national average for college graduates. The low debt burden helps offset these earnings, making the education financially manageable despite modest career returns.
Women comprise 61.01% of the student body, while 99.04% of students identify as Hispanic. Nearly all students (99.28%) come from Puerto Rico itself. The student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1 means larger class sizes than at many private institutions. The 69.14% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic transition to college-level work.
Academics & Faculty
This campus of Inter American University focuses on serving Puerto Rico's Hispanic community with practical, career-oriented programs. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at top colleges, but professors understand the local job market and student needs. Business administration and education programs prepare graduates for local employment opportunities. Only 33% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and studies. The university emphasizes accessibility over selectivity, with 83% of students receiving financial aid. Most programs blend Spanish and English instruction to prepare students for Puerto Rico's bilingual workforce. The small suburban setting creates a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.9%
- Retention Rate
- 69.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $23,132
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $24,421 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $22,578 |
| Social Work. | Master | $20,824 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $15,922 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $13,702 |
Campus Life
This small coastal campus serves 1,149 students in the heart of Puerto Rico's eastern region. Fajardo sits about an hour's drive from San Juan, putting students within reach of the capital while maintaining a tight-knit college town feel. The campus enjoys year-round tropical weather where temperatures rarely drop below 70°F, meaning students pack light clothing and plenty of sunscreen rather than winter coats.
With 99% of students coming from Puerto Rico and 99% identifying as Hispanic, the campus maintains strong local ties and cultural identity. The 61% female student body creates a gender-balanced social environment. Students often spend weekends exploring nearby beaches, including the famous bioluminescent bay, or taking advantage of Fajardo's reputation as a sailing and water sports center. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, fostering mentorship relationships that extend beyond the classroom. Campus life revolves around Caribbean culture, with Spanish as the primary language of instruction and daily conversation throughout the small suburban setting.
With 99% of students coming from Puerto Rico and 99% identifying as Hispanic, the campus maintains strong local ties and cultural identity. The 61% female student body creates a gender-balanced social environment. Students often spend weekends exploring nearby beaches, including the famous bioluminescent bay, or taking advantage of Fajardo's reputation as a sailing and water sports center. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, fostering mentorship relationships that extend beyond the classroom. Campus life revolves around Caribbean culture, with Spanish as the primary language of instruction and daily conversation throughout the small suburban setting.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 69°–84°F
- July Avg
- 75°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 167.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
This campus draws almost exclusively from Puerto Rico, reflecting its role as a regional institution serving local communities. Nearly every student receives Pell Grants, indicating the university primarily serves working-class Puerto Rican families seeking affordable higher education. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, which aligns with Inter American's strength in health sciences, education, and business programs that traditionally attract more female students. The student body represents the demographic reality of eastern Puerto Rico, where families value accessible education that maintains strong cultural connections while providing practical career preparation.
- Men
- 39.0%
- Women
- 61.0%
- White
- 0.4%
- Black
- 0.3%
- Hispanic
- 99.0%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 99.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 83.5%
Location
Fajardo sits on Puerto Rico's northeastern coast, about 45 miles from San Juan. This small coastal city serves as a gateway to the Caribbean's pristine waters and nearby islands like Vieques and Culebra. The campus draws from Puerto Rico's tight-knit educational community, with 99.28% of students coming from in-state. Fajardo's location offers students both beach access and proximity to El Yunque National Forest. The surrounding region blends tourism with local Puerto Rican culture, creating opportunities for hospitality and business internships. The 1,149-student campus maintains a suburban feel while staying connected to island life. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738-7003
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $23,132
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $24,118
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $61/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $5,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo?
The acceptance rate is 44.65%, making admission moderately competitive. This campus serves primarily Puerto Rican students, with 99.04% Hispanic enrollment and 99.28% in-state students.
How much does Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $8,787, with tuition set at $5,580 for all students. About 83.48% of students receive financial aid, and the typical monthly loan payment after graduation is just $61.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo?
The student-faculty ratio is 23:1 with 1,149 total students enrolled. This smaller campus operates on a semester system and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local Puerto Rican community.
What are the graduation rates at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo?
The six-year graduation rate is 32.90% and the four-year rate is 34.63%. The retention rate stands at 69.14%, reflecting challenges common among institutions serving high numbers of Pell Grant recipients.
Where is Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo located?
The campus sits in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, a small suburban setting in the eastern part of the island. This location serves students from the surrounding coastal region and maintains strong ties to the local community.
What are typical earnings for Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo graduates?
Median earnings reach $23,132 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 48.0%. The relatively low median debt of $5,750 helps make the financial investment manageable for graduates entering the Puerto Rican job market.
