At $11,759/yr net price, University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduates earn $30,512/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,759 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,036 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,512/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,488/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,261/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,466/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,259/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,208/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $14,935 | |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. | Bachelor | $14,627 | $5,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $13,702 | $4,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $12,879 | $5,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $11,851 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $11,234 | $4,500 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $10,463 | $5,250 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Bachelor | $10,092 |
The Risk Factor
50.7% of students at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo offers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of just $30,512 and a graduation rate barely above 50%, your chances of achieving strong career outcomes are limited.
The earnings data by major reveals concerning trends across all programs. Business Administration graduates earn only $14,935 annually, while Education majors make $11,851. Even the highest-paying program, Business Administration, produces earnings well below what you could achieve at other institutions or through alternative career paths. The low debt levels of $4,500 median provide the only bright spot, but they cannot offset the weak earning potential.
You face significant completion risk at UPR-Arecibo, with nearly half of students failing to graduate. The 78% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, your chances of finishing decrease substantially.
This school works best for local students who need extremely low-cost education and plan to work in Puerto Rico's job market, where salary expectations align with these outcomes. You might also consider it if you have guaranteed employment through family connections or government positions that value any degree over earning potential.
Look elsewhere if you want strong career earnings, plan to work in competitive mainland job markets, or need a degree that opens doors to graduate programs. The financial aid coverage is extensive, but the poor outcomes make even this discounted education a questionable investment for most career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo worth the cost?
UPR-Arecibo offers strong value with a low net price of $11,759 and minimal debt at graduation ($4,500 median). However, the 10-year median earnings of $30,512 are relatively low, and only about half of students graduate.
What are the best paying majors at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Business Administration leads with $14,935 median earnings, followed by Microbiological Sciences at $14,627. These programs offer the strongest financial returns, though all majors at UPR-Arecibo have modest earning potential compared to mainland universities.
How much debt do University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduates have?
UPR-Arecibo graduates leave with very low debt, with a median of just $4,500. The low cost of attendance makes this school one of the most affordable options for students seeking to minimize borrowing.
What is the graduation rate at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Only 50.7% of students graduate from UPR-Arecibo, which is below the national average. This completion rate is a significant concern for students considering the school's overall return on investment.