Ponce Health Sciences University-East: 44.6% Acceptance Rate

44.6%Acceptance

$10,504Tuition

65Students

78%Grad Rate (6-yr)

#14 in Puerto RicoPrivate forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalData: 2023-24

About Ponce Health Sciences University-East

This specialized health sciences university serves just 65 students in Puerto Rico's second-largest city. The school focuses exclusively on medical and health science programs, preparing students for careers in healthcare fields. With a 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio, every student receives intensive mentoring and hands-on clinical training. The institution accepts 44.6% of applicants, maintaining selective admissions standards for its rigorous programs.

Students pay an average net price of $17,687 after financial aid, with 87% receiving some form of assistance. In-state tuition costs $10,504, while out-of-state students pay $21,504. Nearly all students (87%) qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many lower-income families. The 77.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of health science programs, though students who stay typically complete their degrees.

Women comprise 86% of the student body, reflecting healthcare's gender demographics. The school enrolls exclusively Puerto Rican residents, with 97% of students identifying as Hispanic. This creates a tight-knit community where students share cultural backgrounds and often plan to serve their home communities. The 85% retention rate suggests most students find the intensive, personalized environment suits their learning style despite the academic rigor.

Academics & Faculty

Ponce Health Sciences University-East focuses exclusively on health sciences education, preparing students for medical careers in Puerto Rico. The 2:1 student-faculty ratio means students receive intensive, personalized instruction from faculty members. With 77.80% of students graduating within six years, the university demonstrates solid academic outcomes for its specialized programs. The school serves a unique mission as a health sciences institution, offering concentrated training in medical fields rather than broad liberal arts education. This focused approach allows students to dive deep into clinical and health-related coursework from day one. The small enrollment of just 65 students creates an intimate learning environment where every student receives individual attention from professors and clinical supervisors.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 77.8%
Retention Rate: 85.0%
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Campus Life

Students at this health sciences university experience an intimate learning environment with only 65 enrolled students and a remarkable 2:1 student-faculty ratio. The campus sits in Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city, about 90 minutes south of San Juan. You'll need sunscreen year-round as temperatures hover in the 80s with tropical humidity and occasional afternoon showers.

Women make up 86% of the student body, reflecting the university's focus on nursing and allied health programs. Nearly 97% of students are Hispanic, creating a close-knit community where Spanish flows naturally between classes. The 85% retention rate suggests students find their academic home here despite the rigorous health sciences curriculum. With 100% in-state enrollment, most students commute from nearby areas rather than living on campus.

Weekend life revolves around Ponce's historic downtown plaza and nearby beaches along the Caribbean coast. Students often gather for study groups given the demanding clinical rotations and lab requirements. The small size means everyone knows each other, creating a supportive atmosphere as students pursue careers in healthcare throughout Puerto Rico.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 62°–87°F
July Avg: 69°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at this health sciences university come from Puerto Rico, reflecting the school's role as a local pathway into medical careers. Women make up 86% of the student body, which aligns with healthcare fields that traditionally attract more female students. The school serves predominantly Hispanic students, with 87% receiving Pell Grants, showing its commitment to making health professions accessible to lower-income families. With only 65 total students, this small institution creates an intimate learning environment where future healthcare professionals can build close relationships with faculty and classmates before entering Puerto Rico's medical workforce.

Men: 13.9%
Women: 86.2%
White: 3.1%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 96.9%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 87.0%

Location

Ponce Health Sciences University-East sits in Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city with about 140,000 residents. The campus is roughly 70 miles south of San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital and largest metropolitan area. Ponce anchors the island's southern coast, known for its historic downtown district and proximity to both mountains and Caribbean beaches. The city blends colonial architecture with modern medical facilities, creating an ideal environment for health sciences education. All 65 students come from in-state, reflecting the university's focus on training Puerto Rican healthcare professionals. The 2:1 student-faculty ratio provides intensive mentoring in this specialized medical education setting. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Ponce Health Sciences University-East with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ponce, Puerto Rico 00731-0000

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ponce Health Sciences University-East?

Ponce Health Sciences University-East accepts 44.64% of applicants. This health sciences focused institution serves a highly specialized student body of just 65 students. The school exclusively enrolls Puerto Rican residents and focuses on training healthcare professionals for the island.

How much does Ponce Health Sciences University-East cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $17,687 annually after financial aid. Nearly 87% of students receive financial assistance, with many qualifying for Pell Grants due to the school's mission of serving low-income Puerto Rican families. The school keeps costs manageable for in-state students at $10,504 in tuition.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ponce Health Sciences University-East?

The student-faculty ratio is an exceptional 2:1, meaning almost individualized instruction for every student. This intensive mentorship model suits the demanding nature of health sciences education. The small class sizes allow for hands-on clinical training that prepares students for medical careers.

What is the graduation rate at Ponce Health Sciences University-East?

The six-year graduation rate reaches 77.80%, reflecting the challenging nature of health sciences programs. Students show strong commitment with an 85% retention rate from first to second year. These outcomes are solid for a specialized medical education institution serving predominantly first-generation college students.

Where is Ponce Health Sciences University-East located?

The university sits in Ponce, Puerto Rico, a mid-size city on the island's southern coast. All students are Puerto Rican residents who stay local for their health sciences education. Ponce provides clinical training opportunities while keeping students connected to the communities they will likely serve as healthcare professionals.

Is Ponce Health Sciences University-East diverse in terms of gender?

Women make up 86.15% of the student body while men represent only 13.85%. This dramatic gender split reflects broader trends in health sciences education where women increasingly dominate enrollment. The student body is 96.92% Hispanic, serving Puerto Rico's local population almost exclusively.