At $5,732/yr net price, NUC University graduates earn $24,785/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,732 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,928 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,785/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,215/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,419/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,194/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,947/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,658/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,669/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $32,032 | $23,657 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $27,494 | $23,027 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $26,896 | $29,711 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $25,774 | $10,416 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $23,803 | $24,805 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $22,999 | $12,833 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $21,202 | $15,832 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $19,227 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $18,771 | $23,952 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $16,811 | $26,117 |
The Risk Factor
56.2% of students at NUC University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
NUC University's financial return is weak. Ten years after enrolling, your median earnings land near $24,785, which sits below what a lot of full-time hourly work pays on the mainland and reflects Puerto Rico's low-wage job market. The saving grace is cost: a net price under $6,000 a year and median debt of $9,500 keep the hole shallow, so even a modest paycheck can service what you borrowed.
The programs split sharply. Computer Systems Networking and Business Administration are the only two bachelor's tracks that clear $26,000, but Business Administration comes with almost $30,000 in debt for that paycheck, which flips a decent salary into a bad trade. Networking gives you the highest earnings with more manageable debt, making it the strongest bet here. Nursing pays less than those two but carries the lowest debt of the group, so the return holds up better than the salary alone suggests. Teacher Education and Accounting are the weak spots. Accounting graduates earn under $19,000 while carrying nearly $24,000 in debt, which is the worst pairing on the list.
The real risk is stalled progress. A 56% graduation rate and a 56% retention rate mean nearly half of enrollees leave, and if you drop out you keep the debt without the credential that pays it back. Watch the debt-to-earnings gap in Business and Accounting closely before committing.
Your net price barely moves if your family earns under $48,000, so this school fits you if money is tight and you pick Networking or Nursing. Above $75,000, your price more than doubles, and the earnings ceiling makes that harder to justify. If you can attend elsewhere or plan to leave Puerto Rico for work, weigh those options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NUC University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
NUC University has a low net price of $5,732 per year, but graduates earn just $24,785 annually after 10 years. This puts it well below the national average for college ROI, making it a questionable investment for most students.
What are the best paying programs at NUC University?
Business Administration leads at $32,032 in median earnings, followed by Computer Systems Networking at $27,494. Even the top programs at NUC University produce below-average earnings compared to similar degrees at other institutions.
How much debt do NUC University graduates typically have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which helps offset the poor earnings outcomes. However, with graduates earning under $25,000 annually, even this modest debt load represents a significant burden.
What is NUC University's graduation rate and does it affect ROI?
Only 56% of students graduate from NUC University, meaning nearly half never complete their degree. This low completion rate, combined with poor post-graduation earnings, makes the financial risk substantial for prospective students.