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$8,054Tuition
25,881Students
56%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$24,785Earnings
#12 in Puerto RicoPrivate forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About NUC University

NUC University serves Puerto Rico's growing professional workforce through career-focused programs. The institution enrolls 25,881 students across its Bayamón campus and satellite locations. Founded in 1983, NUC has built its reputation on practical training in business, healthcare, and technology fields. Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the school's strength in nursing and allied health programs. The trimester calendar system allows students to accelerate their studies and enter the workforce faster.

Students pay an average net price of $5,732 after financial aid, making this one of Puerto Rico's most affordable private universities. Nearly three-quarters receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves primarily low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $24,785 ten years after starting, which is modest but reflects Puerto Rico's overall wage structure. Students typically graduate with $9,500 in debt and monthly payments of just $101. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to $5,419.

The student body is 90% Hispanic, creating a culturally cohesive environment where classes are often taught in Spanish. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the large enrollment. However, only 56% of students graduate within six years, and the employment rate of 60% suggests some graduates struggle to find work in their fields.

Academics & Faculty

NUC University serves Puerto Rico's professional workforce with career-focused programs in business, healthcare, and technology. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in smaller classes. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face balancing work and studies. As a for-profit institution, NUC emphasizes practical skills over theoretical research. Popular programs include nursing, criminal justice, and business administration. The trimester calendar system allows students to accelerate their studies or take breaks as needed. Most graduates earn median salaries of $24,785 ten years post-graduation. The university particularly serves Hispanic students seeking accessible higher education in Puerto Rico's urban centers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
17.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
59.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
56.2%
Retention Rate
55.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$24,785
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $32,032
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Bachelor $27,494
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $26,896
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $25,774
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $23,803
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Associate $22,999
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $21,202
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $19,227
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $18,771
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $16,811

View all 79 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 26,000 students navigate NUC University's campus in Bayamón, where the tropical Puerto Rican climate means shorts and sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats. The university sits in Puerto Rico's second-largest city, just 15 miles southwest of San Juan. With 90% of students being Hispanic and 85% from Puerto Rico, Spanish dominates conversations across campus. Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment.

The trimester calendar system keeps students busy with accelerated courses throughout the year. Since this is primarily a commuter campus with most students living off-campus, weekends often mean heading home to family rather than staying for campus activities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for smaller class sizes, though the 56% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled. With 71% receiving Pell Grants, most students work part-time jobs alongside their studies. The urban Bayamón setting offers shopping centers, restaurants, and easy access to both San Juan's beaches and the island's mountainous interior for weekend adventures.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Trimester
Founded
1983

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 2
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
69°–82°F
July Avg
75°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
75.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

NUC University draws heavily from Puerto Rico's Hispanic community, with nearly 90% of students identifying as Latino. The student body is about two-thirds female, reflecting the university's strong focus on healthcare, education, and business programs that traditionally attract more women. Most students come from Puerto Rico itself, giving the campus a tight-knit, local feel. The university serves a working-class population, with over 70% of students receiving Pell Grants. NUC has built its reputation as an accessible pathway to professional careers for Puerto Rican families seeking economic mobility.
Men
34.6%
Women
65.4%
White
3.4%
Black
4.7%
Hispanic
89.7%
Asian
0.3%
In-State Students
84.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
71.5%

Location

Bayamón sits in north-central Puerto Rico, just 15 miles southwest of San Juan. The city serves as an industrial and commercial center with over 200,000 residents. NUC University draws 84.94% of its students from within Puerto Rico. The campus operates in Puerto Rico's second-largest municipality, known for its manufacturing sector and proximity to beaches along the northern coast. Students can reach San Juan's metropolitan area in about 30 minutes by car. The trimester calendar system allows for year-round study in the tropical climate. Bayamón offers urban amenities while maintaining access to Puerto Rico's natural attractions. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare NUC University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00960

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$24,785
Median Earnings (5 years)
$24,058
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$18,600
Loan Repayment Rate
29.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does NUC University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,732 annually at this Puerto Rican institution. The school serves a predominantly Hispanic student body with 71% receiving Pell Grants, making higher education accessible to working-class families across the island.

What are the graduation rates at NUC University?

The university maintains a 56% six-year graduation rate and 60% four-year graduation rate. As a for-profit institution founded in 1983, NUC focuses on career-oriented programs that help students enter the workforce relatively quickly.

What is the student body composition at NUC University?

Women make up 65% of the 25,881 enrolled students, while 90% identify as Hispanic. The university operates on a trimester system and maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention than many larger institutions.

How much do NUC University graduates earn after graduation?

Graduates earn a median salary of $24,785 ten years after graduation, with starting salaries around $18,183. The school's focus on practical career training helps explain why 60% of graduates find employment, though earnings reflect Puerto Rico's lower cost of living.

Where is NUC University located and what is the campus environment like?

The main campus sits in Bayamón, a mid-size city in Puerto Rico's metropolitan area. With 85% of students coming from in-state, the university serves as a local center for Puerto Rican students seeking accessible higher education close to home.

What makes NUC University's financial aid different from other schools?

Students graduate with relatively low debt loads averaging $9,500 and manageable monthly loan payments of $101. The low-income focus shows in the net price structure, where families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,419 annually, demonstrating the school's commitment to affordability.