About Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce
Students pay an average net price of $10,082 after financial aid, with 81.37% receiving some form of assistance. The low tuition of $6,340 makes this one of the more affordable private university options. However, graduates earn a median of $24,908 ten years after graduation, which raises questions about return on investment. The typical graduate leaves with $15,500 in debt and faces monthly loan payments of $164.
The student body reflects Puerto Rico's demographics, with 99.61% identifying as Hispanic and 100% coming from in-state. Women make up 64.20% of enrollment, outnumbering men. The university fields 23 varsity sports teams with 221 total athletes competing at the NAIA level. Campus housing accommodates only 206 students, so most live off-campus in the Ponce area.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.9%
- Retention Rate
- 78.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $24,908
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $54,713 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| 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 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $24,730 |
| Biotechnology. | Master | $24,421 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $24,140 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $24,035 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $22,420 |
Campus Life
Students never need winter coats here. Puerto Rico's tropical climate means year-round temperatures in the 80s, perfect for the university's 23 NAIA sports teams that compete outdoors most of the year. With 99.6% Hispanic enrollment, classes blend English and Spanish instruction. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, especially in popular health sciences programs. Students often gather at the nearby Plaza Las Delicias on weekends or head to nearby beaches. The strong Catholic identity shapes campus life through regular masses and service opportunities. Many students work part-time since 81% receive Pell Grants, balancing studies with jobs in Ponce's medical district or tourism industry.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 206 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 67°–87°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 67.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.8%
- Women
- 64.2%
- White
- 0.0%
- Black
- 0.0%
- Hispanic
- 99.6%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 81.4%
Location
- Address
- Ponce, Puerto Rico 00717-9997
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-Ponce?
The university accepts 94.74% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. This Catholic institution primarily serves Puerto Rican students, with 99.61% of the student body being Hispanic. The school focuses on providing affordable Catholic higher education to the local community.
How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,082 annually, lower than the published tuition of $6,340. Over 81% of students receive financial aid, with many qualifying for substantial support. The total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $16,515.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
The university maintains a 22:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,827 total students enrolled. The school is known for its programs in health sciences, business, and education. Women comprise 64.20% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong appeal in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education.
What are the graduation rates at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 47.90%, while the four-year rate reaches 45.69%. Graduates earn a median salary of $24,908 ten years after graduation. The retention rate of 78.93% shows most students who start here continue their studies.
Does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce offer on-campus housing?
The university provides housing for 206 students on campus, serving a small portion of the 3,827 total enrollment. Room and board costs $6,663 annually for those who live on campus. Most students commute from the Ponce area, as 100% of students are in-state residents.
How strong are athletics at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
The university competes in NAIA athletics with 23 varsity sports programs. A total of 221 student-athletes participate across all sports, supported by $604,646 in athletic scholarships. This Catholic institution balances competitive sports with its academic mission in the mid-sized city of Ponce.
