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
The financial picture at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is defined by low cost paired with low earnings. You borrow very little to attend, with a median debt of $5,000 that ranks among the lowest you will find at any four-year public school. But ten years out, the median graduate earns under $31,000, and that number caps how much the low debt actually helps you.
None of the top-earning bachelor's programs here pay well in absolute terms. Chemistry leads at $26,896, which sits below the school-wide median and tells you the reported program figures skew low. Psychology graduates report $19,045, and teacher education graduates $16,169. If you major in psychology or education expecting these degrees alone to fund your life, the numbers say otherwise. Chemistry is the least weak option on the list, but it still trails the overall median, so you should treat any single program figure here with caution.
The main financial risk is regional. These earnings reflect Puerto Rico's job market, where wages run low across the board. A 48.6% graduation rate means fewer than half of you finish, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the low sticker price stops protecting you. Retention at 78.8% is the better sign that most of you return after year one.
Net price barely moves with income until the top tier. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay about $15,700. below $30,000, roughly $8,650. For lower-income families, this is one of the cheapest four-year paths available, and the low debt keeps downside risk contained. If you need a degree that translates into higher earnings, especially outside Puerto Rico, plan on graduate school or an out-of-market job, because the bachelor's-level pay here is thin.
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.