About Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
This small Catholic institution serves 273 students in suburban Arecibo, focusing on serving Puerto Rico's local community. The university maintains strong ties to Catholic educational traditions while operating as a regional campus of the broader Pontifical Catholic University system. With a 98.21% acceptance rate, the school provides accessible higher education opportunities primarily to Hispanic students, who make up 100% of the student body. Nearly all students (98.31%) come from within Puerto Rico, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value and outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $9,421 after aid, with 76% receiving some form of financial assistance. However, graduates earn a median of $24,908 ten years after graduation, which is relatively low compared to national averages. With median debt of $15,500 and monthly loan payments of $164, the financial burden is manageable but the return on investment raises questions. Only 32% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans.
The academic environment offers personal attention with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, though outcomes suggest challenges. Just 39% of students graduate within six years, and the employment rate stands at 46%. Women outnumber men, comprising 67% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in Puerto Rican higher education.
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value and outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $9,421 after aid, with 76% receiving some form of financial assistance. However, graduates earn a median of $24,908 ten years after graduation, which is relatively low compared to national averages. With median debt of $15,500 and monthly loan payments of $164, the financial burden is manageable but the return on investment raises questions. Only 32% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans.
The academic environment offers personal attention with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, though outcomes suggest challenges. Just 39% of students graduate within six years, and the employment rate stands at 46%. Women outnumber men, comprising 67% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in Puerto Rican higher education.
Academics & Faculty
This Catholic university campus serves a completely Hispanic student body of 273 students with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention in small classes. The school focuses on undergraduate education rooted in Catholic values and Puerto Rican culture. However, academic outcomes present challenges, with only 40.67% of students graduating in four years and 39.20% completing their degrees within six years. The 82.35% retention rate suggests students generally stay enrolled beyond their first year. As part of the broader Pontifical Catholic University system, the Arecibo campus emphasizes liberal arts education with a faith-based perspective, though students may need extra support to successfully complete their programs given the graduation rates.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.2%
- Retention Rate
- 82.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $24,908
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $28,598 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Bachelor | $27,439 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $24,904 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $24,140 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $24,035 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $22,420 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $22,192 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $20,482 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $20,140 |
Campus Life
This small Catholic campus serves just 273 students in Puerto Rico's northern coastal region, about an hour from San Juan. With 67% women and entirely Hispanic enrollment, the intimate community creates tight-knit relationships enhanced by a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The tropical climate means year-round warmth and humidity, so students need sunscreen rather than winter coats.
Nearly all students (98%) come from Puerto Rico, creating a deeply local atmosphere where Spanish is the primary language of daily conversation. The 82% retention rate suggests students find their niche despite academic challenges reflected in the 40% four-year graduation rate. Weekend activities center around the coastal location, with beaches and outdoor recreation popular among students. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through regular masses and religious programming. With limited on-campus housing typical of smaller Puerto Rican institutions, many students commute from nearby communities. The suburban setting offers a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining access to Arecibo's amenities and the famous radio telescope observatory.
Nearly all students (98%) come from Puerto Rico, creating a deeply local atmosphere where Spanish is the primary language of daily conversation. The 82% retention rate suggests students find their niche despite academic challenges reflected in the 40% four-year graduation rate. Weekend activities center around the coastal location, with beaches and outdoor recreation popular among students. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through regular masses and religious programming. With limited on-campus housing typical of smaller Puerto Rican institutions, many students commute from nearby communities. The suburban setting offers a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining access to Arecibo's amenities and the famous radio telescope observatory.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 64°–84°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 78.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
This small Catholic campus in Arecibo draws almost exclusively from Puerto Rico, with 98% of students coming from the island. The student body is entirely Hispanic, reflecting the university's deep roots in the local community. Women make up two-thirds of the enrollment, suggesting strong programs in fields like education, nursing, or social work that traditionally attract female students. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class Puerto Rican families seeking a faith-based college experience.
- Men
- 32.6%
- Women
- 67.4%
- White
- 0.0%
- Black
- 0.0%
- Hispanic
- 100.0%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 98.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 76.0%
Location
This Catholic university campus sits in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a coastal city about 50 miles west of San Juan. The campus serves a small community of 273 students in Puerto Rico's northern region, known for its proximity to both beaches and the famous Arecibo Observatory radio telescope. Nearly all students (98.31%) come from within Puerto Rico, reflecting the school's deep local roots. The suburban setting offers a quieter alternative to San Juan's urban environment while maintaining access to the island's cultural and economic center. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00614-4045
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $24,908
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $27,430
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $17,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $164/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
The university accepts 98.21% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. This Catholic institution primarily serves the local Puerto Rican community, with 98.31% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,421 annually, with tuition set at $6,238 for all students. About 76% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 273 total students enrolled. This small Catholic campus operates on a semester system and emphasizes close relationships between students and professors.
What are the graduation rates at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Only 39.20% of students graduate within six years, and 40.67% complete their degree in four years. The retention rate stands at 82.35%, suggesting students stay but face challenges completing their programs at this small Catholic institution.
Where is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo located?
The campus sits in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a small suburban setting known for the famous Arecibo Observatory. This location serves the local Hispanic community, with 100% of students identifying as Hispanic and nearly all coming from Puerto Rico.
How much do graduates of Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $24,908 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $164. The employment rate sits at 45.9%, reflecting economic challenges in Puerto Rico and the need for graduates to often seek opportunities beyond the island.
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