University of Puerto Rico at Cayey: 49.3% Acceptance Rate

49.3%Acceptance

$5,354Tuition

2,201Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,958Earnings

#9 in Puerto RicoPublic4-yearLiberal ArtsNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

This liberal arts college nestled in Puerto Rico's central mountains serves 2,201 students who benefit from an intimate academic environment. The University of Puerto Rico at Cayey has built its reputation on strong liberal arts education with particularly close student-faculty relationships. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name rather than ID number. The mountainous setting in Cayey provides a peaceful backdrop for serious academic work. The school accepts 49% of applicants, making it moderately selective within the UPR system.

Students pay an average net price of $9,148 after financial aid, with 76% receiving some form of assistance. This makes UPR Cayey remarkably affordable, especially considering that graduates typically earn $30,958 ten years after graduation. Students graduate with a median debt of just $5,000, keeping monthly loan payments to only $53. The return on investment proves solid for a public liberal arts education.

The student body is entirely Hispanic and consists of 68% women, reflecting both the local demographics and the appeal of liberal arts programs to female students. While the 49% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges, the 79% retention rate indicates most students who start here want to stay and complete their degrees in this close-knit mountain community.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Puerto Rico at Cayey operates as a liberal arts college focused on broad-based education across humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio allows for smaller classes and more personalized attention than larger research universities. However, the 48% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant challenges completing their degrees. The campus serves exclusively Hispanic students from Puerto Rico, creating a culturally cohesive environment. With 2,201 students nestled in the mountains of central Puerto Rico, the college emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students. The liberal arts model means students explore multiple disciplines before specializing, though this can extend time to graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 91.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.6%
Retention Rate: 78.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,958
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Chemistry.	Bachelor	$26,896
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$19,045
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$16,169

View all 19 programs →

Campus Life

The mountainous town of Cayey sits about an hour south of San Juan, offering cooler temperatures than the coast thanks to its elevation. You'll want light sweaters for evenings, but this is still tropical Puerto Rico where shorts work year-round. With 2,201 students spread across a small campus, the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The heavily female student body (68%) creates a collaborative academic environment focused on liberal arts learning.

Most students commute from nearby towns since campus housing is limited. Weekend life centers around the charming downtown area and the natural beauty surrounding Cayey, including hiking trails and coffee plantations in the central mountains. Students often gather in San Juan for bigger city experiences, but many appreciate the quieter pace that lets them focus on studies. The 78.84% retention rate reflects students who find their footing in this intimate academic setting. With 100% Hispanic enrollment and strong community ties, cultural celebrations and family connections shape much of the social calendar.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	3	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 61°–73°F
July Avg: 67°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The student body of 2,201 is entirely Hispanic and drawn completely from Puerto Rico, reflecting the university's role as a regional institution serving local communities. Women make up more than two-thirds of students, typical for liberal arts colleges that attract students interested in education, social work, and humanities fields. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the campus serves working-class Puerto Rican families seeking affordable higher education. The mountainous Cayey location draws students who want a close-knit academic community while staying connected to their island roots.

Men: 31.9%
Women: 68.1%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 100.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 75.7%

Location

Cayey sits in Puerto Rico's mountainous central region, about 30 miles south of San Juan. The town of roughly 48,000 residents nestles in the Cordillera Central mountain range at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. This creates a cooler, more temperate climate than Puerto Rico's coastal areas. The campus serves as a cultural center for the surrounding rural communities. All 2,201 students come from within Puerto Rico, reflecting the university's deep local roots. The mountainous setting provides a quiet academic environment removed from urban distractions. Small-town charm combines with natural beauty in this elevated location. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare University of Puerto Rico at Cayey with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cayey, Puerto Rico 00737-2230

Arboles en la Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Cayey

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,958
Median Earnings (5 years): $29,334
Loan Repayment Rate: 70.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $53/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey?

The University of Puerto Rico at Cayey accepts 49.32% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1023. This liberal arts college in the mountains draws exclusively from Puerto Rico's student population, creating a tight-knit academic community.

How much does University of Puerto Rico at Cayey cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,148 annually, with 75.68% receiving financial aid. The low median debt of $5,000 and monthly loan payments of just $53 make this one of the most affordable college options in Puerto Rico.

What are class sizes like at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey?

With 2,201 students and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be small and discussion-focused. The college emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students in its liberal arts programs.

What do graduates of University of Puerto Rico at Cayey earn after college?

Alumni earn a median salary of $30,958 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 40.3%. The college's focus on liberal arts education prepares students for diverse career paths across Puerto Rico and beyond.

Where is University of Puerto Rico at Cayey located?

The campus sits in Cayey's mountainous suburban setting, about an hour from San Juan. Founded in 1967, this branch of the UPR system takes advantage of its cooler climate and scenic location to create a contemplative learning environment.

Is University of Puerto Rico at Cayey diverse?

The student body is 100% Hispanic and 100% in-state, reflecting its mission to serve Puerto Rico's local population. Women make up 68.06% of the 2,201 students, creating a predominantly female campus environment.