About Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
This small Catholic university serves 597 students in the heart of Puerto Rico's western coast. The campus operates as part of the broader Pontifical Catholic University system, emphasizing faith-based education in a close-knit environment. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and professors know their students personally. The university maintains strong ties to the local Mayagüez community while upholding Catholic educational traditions.
Nearly every student qualifies for admission with a 99.77% acceptance rate, but financial accessibility remains the real draw. Students pay an average net price of $8,264 after aid, with 83% receiving financial assistance. However, graduates face challenging economics with median earnings of just $24,908 ten years after graduation. The typical graduate carries $15,500 in debt with monthly payments of $164. Only 32% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, suggesting many struggle financially post-graduation.
The student body reflects Puerto Rico's demographics with 99.5% Hispanic enrollment and women comprising nearly two-thirds of students at 64.49%. Retention rates hover at 77%, but only 42% of students graduate within six years. The university operates on a semester calendar system, though employment outcomes remain modest with fewer than half of graduates finding work in their field.
Nearly every student qualifies for admission with a 99.77% acceptance rate, but financial accessibility remains the real draw. Students pay an average net price of $8,264 after aid, with 83% receiving financial assistance. However, graduates face challenging economics with median earnings of just $24,908 ten years after graduation. The typical graduate carries $15,500 in debt with monthly payments of $164. Only 32% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, suggesting many struggle financially post-graduation.
The student body reflects Puerto Rico's demographics with 99.5% Hispanic enrollment and women comprising nearly two-thirds of students at 64.49%. Retention rates hover at 77%, but only 42% of students graduate within six years. The university operates on a semester calendar system, though employment outcomes remain modest with fewer than half of graduates finding work in their field.
Academics & Faculty
This Catholic university serves Puerto Rico's western region with a focus on accessible higher education and strong community ties. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in small classes, though academic support varies considerably given the 42% six-year graduation rate. Nearly all students are Hispanic Puerto Ricans studying close to home, creating a tight-knit campus culture. The university emphasizes Catholic values and social justice in its curriculum. Business, education, and health sciences programs attract the most students, preparing graduates for careers serving local communities. With 99.77% acceptance rate, the school prioritizes access over selectivity, welcoming students who might not find opportunities elsewhere while maintaining its religious mission.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.1%
- Retention Rate
- 76.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $24,908
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $22,420 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $22,192 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $15,090 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $15,090 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $14,935 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $14,318 |
Campus Life
The small city of Mayaguez sits on Puerto Rico's western coast, about 90 minutes from San Juan. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this tropical climate where temperatures stay in the 70s and 80s. The campus serves just 597 students, creating an intimate community where nearly everyone knows each other. Classes average 14 students per faculty member, making it easy to build relationships with professors.
Campus life moves at a relaxed Caribbean pace. The 99.5% Hispanic student body creates a tight-knit Latino community rooted in Catholic values and Puerto Rican culture. Students often gather in plazas around campus or head to nearby beaches on weekends. Mayaguez offers authentic local restaurants, coffee shops, and the famous Parque de los Próceres for evening walks. The 76.67% retention rate suggests students appreciate the close community feel, though many face financial pressures with 83.46% receiving Pell Grants. Spanish dominates daily conversation, and religious traditions play a visible role in campus events throughout the academic year.
Campus life moves at a relaxed Caribbean pace. The 99.5% Hispanic student body creates a tight-knit Latino community rooted in Catholic values and Puerto Rican culture. Students often gather in plazas around campus or head to nearby beaches on weekends. Mayaguez offers authentic local restaurants, coffee shops, and the famous Parque de los Próceres for evening walks. The 76.67% retention rate suggests students appreciate the close community feel, though many face financial pressures with 83.46% receiving Pell Grants. Spanish dominates daily conversation, and religious traditions play a visible role in campus events throughout the academic year.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 65°–85°F
- July Avg
- 71°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 144.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
This Catholic university serves almost exclusively Puerto Rican students, with 100% in-state enrollment reflecting its deep local roots. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, typical for institutions with strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that align with Catholic service missions. The school attracts primarily lower-income families, with over 80% of students receiving Pell Grants. This demographic profile matches the university's mission of providing affordable Catholic education to working-class Puerto Rican families in the western part of the island.
- Men
- 35.5%
- Women
- 64.5%
- White
- 0.0%
- Black
- 0.0%
- Hispanic
- 99.5%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 83.5%
Location
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez sits in Puerto Rico's western coast city of Mayagüez, about 90 miles from San Juan. The campus serves a tight-knit community of 597 students in what locals call the "Sultan of the West." Mayagüez combines urban amenities with coastal charm, offering beaches, mountains, and the island's agricultural heartland nearby. The university draws exclusively Puerto Rican students, with 99.5% identifying as Hispanic. This small city setting provides an intimate college experience while maintaining access to internships and cultural activities. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the personalized attention possible in this close community. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00680-1713
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-Mayaguez?
The university accepts 99.77% of applicants, making admission virtually guaranteed. This Catholic institution serves Puerto Rico's western region with a focus on accessible higher education for the local Hispanic community.
How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,264 annually, with 83.46% receiving financial aid. The low tuition of $6,238 reflects the university's mission to serve economically disadvantaged students in Puerto Rico.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?
The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 597 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention within the Catholic educational tradition that emphasizes mentorship and community.
What are the graduation outcomes at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?
Only 37.34% of students graduate within four years, and the six-year rate reaches 42.10%. Graduates earn a median of $24,908 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the economic challenges facing Puerto Rico's job market.
Where is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez located?
The campus sits in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico's third-largest city on the western coast. All enrolled students are Puerto Rico residents, with 99.50% identifying as Hispanic, creating a deeply rooted local community focused on island needs.
Does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez have a strong employment rate for graduates?
The employment rate stands at 45.9%, with graduates facing significant economic challenges on the island. The university's Catholic mission emphasizes service and community engagement, though economic opportunities remain limited in Puerto Rico's economy.
