At $9,148/yr net price, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey graduates earn $30,958/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,148 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,958/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,042/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,652/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,610/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,406/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,049/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,746/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $26,896 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $19,045 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
48.6% of students at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey 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 at Cayey offers a low-cost education with concerning returns. Your median earnings of $30,958 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many high school graduates earn, creating a weak financial case despite the modest $9,148 annual net price.
The graduation rate of 48.6% means you face significant dropout risk, and even successful graduates struggle financially. Chemistry majors earn just $26,896 annually, while psychology graduates make only $19,045. Education majors fare worst at $16,169, making loan repayment challenging even with the low median debt of $5,000.
This school works financially if you can graduate debt-free and view college primarily as personal enrichment rather than career advancement. The combination of low costs and high financial aid coverage means many students pay very little out of pocket. However, you should have realistic income expectations and potentially plan for graduate school to improve your earning potential.
Avoid UPR Cayey if you need substantial income growth to justify your time investment or if you're considering high-debt financing options. The retention rate of 78.84% suggests many students transfer elsewhere, possibly seeking better career prospects. You're better served looking at mainland public universities or other UPR campuses with stronger employment outcomes if maximizing earnings is your priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Puerto Rico at Cayey worth the cost compared to other schools?
With a net price of $9,148 and graduates earning $30,958 after 10 years, UPR Cayey offers decent value for money. The low median debt of $5,000 makes it financially safer than most four-year colleges.
What are the best paying majors at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey?
Chemistry graduates earn the most at $26,896 annually, while psychology majors make $19,045 and education majors earn $16,169. All of these salaries are below national averages for college graduates.
How risky is the debt at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey?
The debt risk is relatively low with a median of just $5,000. However, the 48.6% graduation rate means about half of students don't finish their degrees.
Does University of Puerto Rico at Cayey have a good return on investment?
The ROI is mixed - very affordable tuition and low debt are positives, but graduate earnings and completion rates lag behind national standards. It works best for students who need an affordable option and plan to stay in Puerto Rico.