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$6,110Tuition
2,573Students
42%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$35,946Earnings
#1 in GuamPublic4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Guam

The University of Guam serves as the educational center for Guam and the broader Micronesia region, drawing 2,573 students to its suburban Mangilao campus. This public university has been the island's flagship institution since 1952, offering degrees that reflect both regional needs and global connections. About 92% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community rooted in Chamorro and Pacific Islander culture.

Students pay an average net price of $9,424, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $35,946 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $16,786. Monthly loan payments average just $178, making this education financially manageable for most families. The low tuition reflects the university's mission to serve local students who might otherwise need to leave the island for higher education.

The student body is predominantly Asian (48%) and female (58%), reflecting Guam's unique demographics. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students. The 42% six-year graduation rate suggests students often balance education with work and family responsibilities common in island communities. Class sizes remain manageable with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Guam serves as the primary higher education institution for Guam and the broader Micronesia region, offering programs tailored to Pacific Island communities. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small classes. The university is particularly known for its Marine Laboratory, which conducts important coral reef and marine ecosystem research. Business, education, and nursing programs attract many local students planning to serve their communities. However, academic support varies , as evidenced by the 42% six-year graduation rate. The university emphasizes practical education relevant to island life, including programs in public administration and tropical agriculture that address regional needs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
60.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
39.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
42.1%
Retention Rate
75.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,946
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $49,625
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $33,281
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $23,649
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $21,850

View all 58 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at the University of Guam centers around a tight-knit community where 92% of students are locals. Only 208 students can live on campus out of 2,573 total enrollment, so most commute from home or nearby apartments. The Mangilao campus sits in Guam's central region, about 30 minutes from the capital city of Hagåtña and close to pristine beaches along the Philippine Sea.

Expect year-round tropical weather with temperatures hovering around 80-85°F and high humidity. You'll need sunscreen, not winter coats. The campus reflects Guam's multicultural heritage, with 48% Asian students representing the island's diverse Pacific Islander communities. Weekend activities often revolve around beach trips, snorkeling, and family gatherings that reflect Chamorro culture. Students frequently participate in fiestas and cultural celebrations throughout the academic calendar. The small student body creates an intimate atmosphere where the 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Island life moves at a different pace, and students embrace the relaxed "island time" mentality while pursuing degrees that often focus on serving the broader Micronesian region.
Setting
Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity
208 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1952

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 5 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
75°–85°F
July Avg
77°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
98.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

The University of Guam draws overwhelmingly from local students, with 92% coming from in-state. This reflects its role as the primary higher education institution for Guam and the broader Micronesian region. The student body is nearly half Asian, mirroring the island's demographics and cultural heritage. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social sciences that traditionally attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves as an accessible pathway for local families seeking affordable higher education.
Men
42.1%
Women
58.0%
White
1.8%
Black
0.4%
Hispanic
0.7%
Asian
47.9%
In-State Students
92.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
31.1%

Location

The University of Guam sits in Mangilao, a suburb on the island of Guam about 150 miles east of the Philippines. This Pacific island campus serves as the educational center for Micronesia, with 92.22% of students coming from in-state. The tropical setting offers year-round warmth and ocean access, though students are geographically isolated from the continental United States. Guam's strategic military importance brings a unique international flavor to campus life. The island's small size means the university plays a central role in local culture and economics. Housing capacity covers just 208 students, reflecting the commuter nature of this island community. Students considering colleges in Guam may also compare University of Guam with similar schools in the region.
Address
Mangilao, Guam 96923
University of Guam sign
University of Guam sign
UOG Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building
UOG Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building
University of Guam campus
University of Guam campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,946
Median Earnings (5 years)
$42,073
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,700
Loan Repayment Rate
59.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$178/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,786

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at University of Guam?

The university enrolls 2,573 students with women making up 57.95% of the student body. Asian students comprise 47.92% of enrollment, reflecting Guam's position as a Pacific island territory with strong ties to Asia and Micronesia.

How much does University of Guam cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $9,424, making it one of the most affordable universities in the U.S. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,170 after aid, while room and board costs only $3,888 for on-campus housing.

What are class sizes like at University of Guam?

The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for relatively small classes and personal attention from professors. As the main public university serving Guam and Micronesia, it focuses on programs relevant to Pacific island communities and regional development.

What do graduates earn after University of Guam?

Median earnings reach $35,946 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 78%. Graduates typically carry $16,786 in debt with monthly loan payments of $178, reflecting the university's role in preparing students for careers in the Pacific region.

Is University of Guam hard to finish?

The six-year graduation rate is 42.10% with a retention rate of 75.63%. Many students balance work and family responsibilities while attending, which is common for universities serving island communities with strong cultural ties to extended family.

Where do University of Guam students come from?

An overwhelming 92.22% of students are from Guam, with housing capacity for only 208 students reflecting the local nature of the student body. Founded in 1952, the university serves as the primary higher education institution for Guam and the broader Micronesia region.