At $7,455/yr net price, University of Puerto Rico at Ponce graduates earn $31,394/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,455 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,394/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,606/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,047/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,848/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,335/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,538/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,585/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $16,169 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $12,776 | $5,000 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $12,221 | $5,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Bachelor | $9,167 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $6,765 |
The Risk Factor
50.6% of students at University of Puerto Rico at Ponce 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 Ponce delivers weak financial returns despite its low cost. With median earnings of $31,394 ten years after graduation, graduates earn significantly less than the national average, making this one of the lowest-performing public universities in terms of career outcomes.
Computer science represents the sole bright spot, though even this top-earning program produces graduates making just $16,169 annually. Psychology and biology graduates face particularly poor prospects, earning around $12,000-$13,000 per year despite requiring four-year degrees. Business support and allied health programs perform even worse, with graduates earning less than $10,000 annually.
The low graduation rate of 50.6% compounds the financial risk. Half of students who enroll never finish their degrees, yet many still accumulate debt. Even successful graduates face limited local job opportunities in Ponce's small economy, potentially requiring relocation to find better-paying positions.
The school makes financial sense only for students who plan to use their degree as a stepping stone to graduate programs or professional schools where the specific undergraduate institution matters less than completion. Local students who cannot afford alternatives and plan to remain in the area may find value in the extremely low net price of $7,455 and minimal debt load of $5,500.
Financial aid covers over 80% of students, making the school accessible to low-income families. However, you should carefully consider whether the poor earnings outcomes justify even this modest investment. Students with options to attend higher-performing public universities in other locations should seriously consider those alternatives for better long-term financial prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Puerto Rico at Ponce worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,455 and median earnings of $31,394 ten years after graduation, UPR Ponce offers decent value for a low-cost education. However, the 50.6% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Puerto Rico at Ponce?
Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn the most at $16,169 annually, followed by Clinical Psychology at $12,776. These earnings are significantly below national averages for these fields.
How much debt do University of Puerto Rico at Ponce graduates have?
The median debt is only $5,500, which is very low compared to most colleges. This makes UPR Ponce a relatively safe choice for avoiding heavy student loans.
Does University of Puerto Rico at Ponce have good job prospects after graduation?
Graduate earnings average $31,394 after ten years, which is low even accounting for Puerto Rico's cost of living. The computer science program shows the best earning potential among available majors.