About University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla
The University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla serves 1,847 students in Puerto Rico's northwest coast, focusing on accessible higher education for the local community. This public university campus attracts students with its 76.84% acceptance rate and serves almost exclusively Puerto Rican students, with 97.62% of the student body identifying as Hispanic. The campus maintains strong student loyalty with a 97.88% retention rate. Students can choose from undergraduate programs delivered through a traditional semester system with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio.
Affordability defines the UPR-Aguadilla experience. Students pay an average net price of $8,142 regardless of residency status, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,670 after aid. Nearly 82% of students receive financial aid, keeping median debt low at $5,500. Graduates earn a median of $27,997 ten years after graduation, though the 42.1% employment rate suggests some struggle finding work immediately. Monthly loan payments average just $58, making this education financially manageable for most families.
The campus fields 14 varsity sports with 129 total athletes competing at the NAIA level. However, academic outcomes present challenges, with only 45.68% of students graduating within four years and 47.70% finishing within six years. The low federal loan rate of 6.25% reflects the university's commitment to keeping education debt-free when possible.
Affordability defines the UPR-Aguadilla experience. Students pay an average net price of $8,142 regardless of residency status, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,670 after aid. Nearly 82% of students receive financial aid, keeping median debt low at $5,500. Graduates earn a median of $27,997 ten years after graduation, though the 42.1% employment rate suggests some struggle finding work immediately. Monthly loan payments average just $58, making this education financially manageable for most families.
The campus fields 14 varsity sports with 129 total athletes competing at the NAIA level. However, academic outcomes present challenges, with only 45.68% of students graduating within four years and 47.70% finishing within six years. The low federal loan rate of 6.25% reflects the university's commitment to keeping education debt-free when possible.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla operates as a regional campus focused on undergraduate education and serving the local community. Nearly 82% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the campus's mission to provide affordable higher education access. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common, though the impressive 97.88% retention rate shows students generally stay engaged. However, only 46% of students graduate within four years, indicating many attend part-time while working or face financial challenges. The campus emphasizes practical programs that prepare students for local employment, with business administration, education, and health sciences among the popular offerings that align with regional workforce needs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.7%
- Retention Rate
- 97.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $27,997
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $13,702 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $13,702 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $13,290 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $12,776 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $11,234 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Bachelor | $8,750 |
Campus Life
Campus life at UPR-Aguadilla revolves around a tight-knit community where nearly 98% of students return each year. The suburban setting puts you about 90 minutes from San Juan, close enough for weekend trips but far enough to create its own identity. You'll never need a winter coat here - pack sunscreen and light clothes for year-round temperatures in the 80s.
With just 1,847 students, you'll recognize faces across campus quickly. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Since 100% of students are from Puerto Rico, campus culture stays deeply rooted in local traditions and Spanish-speaking community. Weekend activities often center around the nearby beaches and the historic downtown Aguadilla area. The 129 student-athletes across 14 NAIA sports create school spirit, though with a $146,191 total athletic scholarship budget, competition stays focused on participation over recruiting. Most students commute from nearby towns, creating a campus that buzzes during class hours but quiets in the evenings.
With just 1,847 students, you'll recognize faces across campus quickly. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Since 100% of students are from Puerto Rico, campus culture stays deeply rooted in local traditions and Spanish-speaking community. Weekend activities often center around the nearby beaches and the historic downtown Aguadilla area. The 129 student-athletes across 14 NAIA sports create school spirit, though with a $146,191 total athletic scholarship budget, competition stays focused on participation over recruiting. Most students commute from nearby towns, creating a campus that buzzes during class hours but quiets in the evenings.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 68°–86°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
This regional campus draws exclusively Puerto Rican students who stay close to home for college. The student body of 1,847 reflects the island's demographics, with nearly all students identifying as Hispanic. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for a campus that emphasizes education and health sciences programs. Over 80% receive Pell Grants, showing the university fulfills its mission of providing accessible higher education to working-class families in western Puerto Rico. Students choose UPR-Aguadilla for affordable tuition and strong community ties rather than prestige.
- Men
- 47.3%
- Women
- 52.7%
- White
- 1.4%
- Black
- 0.2%
- Hispanic
- 97.6%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 82.0%
Location
The campus sits in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, a coastal city of about 55,000 residents on the island's northwest tip. Students live roughly 80 miles from San Juan, the capital and largest metropolitan area. The university draws from across Puerto Rico, with 100% of students coming from in-state. Aguadilla's location puts students near some of the island's most famous surf breaks and beaches, including Crash Boat Beach just minutes from campus. The city blends suburban amenities with coastal recreation opportunities. The area maintains a strong connection to both Puerto Rican culture and maritime activities, with Rafael Hernández Airport nearby serving the region. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 00604-1309
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $27,997
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $24,935
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $58/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $5,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla?
University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla accepts 76.84% of applicants with an average SAT score of 976. The school serves primarily local students from Puerto Rico, creating an accessible pathway to higher education in the region.
How much does University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,142 annually, with 81.96% receiving financial aid. The median debt at graduation is just $5,500, making this one of the most affordable public university options available.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla?
The student-faculty ratio is 20:1 with 1,847 total students enrolled. The campus maintains strong retention with 97.88% of students returning for their second year, indicating solid academic support despite the larger class sizes.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla?
The six-year graduation rate is 47.70%, with graduates earning a median salary of $27,997 ten years after graduation. About 42.1% of graduates find employment, reflecting the economic challenges in Puerto Rico's job market.
Where is University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla located?
The campus sits in Aguadilla, a mid-sized suburban community on Puerto Rico's northwest coast. All students are in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community where 97.62% of students are Hispanic.
Does University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla offer athletic programs?
The school competes in NAIA athletics with 14 varsity sports and 129 student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total $146,191, providing opportunities for local talent to combine academics with competitive sports.
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