University of Puerto Rico-Carolina: 55.4% Acceptance Rate

55.4%Acceptance

$7,986Tuition

2,367Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,626Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAData: 2023-24

About University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The University of Puerto Rico-Carolina serves 2,367 students in this large suburban community near San Juan. This regional campus focuses on associate degrees and technical programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. Nearly all students (99.24%) come from Puerto Rico, creating a tight-knit community where Spanish is the primary language of instruction. The campus operates on a quarter system, allowing for more flexible scheduling and faster program completion.

Students pay an average net price of $14,072 after financial aid, with 74.19% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $30,626 ten years after starting college. The typical graduate carries just $5,500 in debt with monthly loan payments of only $58. This makes UPR-Carolina one of the most affordable higher education options in Puerto Rico, though the 40.20% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their programs.

Women make up nearly two-thirds (64.93%) of the student body, and 92.10% of students identify as Hispanic. The campus competes in NAIA athletics with 129 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and 75.76% first-year retention rate, students receive personal attention in small classes focused on practical career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

University of Puerto Rico-Carolina functions as a regional campus specializing in associate degrees and technical programs rather than traditional four-year bachelor's education. The school serves Carolina's local community with career-focused training in fields like health sciences, business, and technology. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more individualized attention than at larger research universities. However, the 40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face in completing their programs. Nearly three-quarters of students receive financial aid, making technical education accessible to the local workforce. The quarter system allows for accelerated completion of certificate and associate degree programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment in Puerto Rico's economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.2%
Retention Rate: 75.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,626
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$18,771
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$17,717
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Bachelor	$16,394
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Bachelor	$10,925

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

This University of Puerto Rico regional campus sits in Carolina's suburban sprawl, about 20 minutes east of San Juan. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this tropical climate where temperatures hover in the 80s. With 2,367 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel personal but not tiny. The campus serves as a commuter school where 99.24% of students are from Puerto Rico, creating a tight-knit local community.

Women make up 64.93% of the student body, and 92.10% of students are Hispanic. Most students live at home and drive to campus, so weekends often mean heading back to family or exploring San Juan's beaches and nightlife. The quarter system keeps the pace quick with frequent breaks. With 74.19% of students receiving financial aid and a median debt of just $5,500, this campus attracts students seeking affordable education close to home. The NAIA athletics program fields 12 varsity sports with 129 total athletes, though the focus remains heavily academic rather than athletic.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 70°–83°F
July Avg: 76°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 65.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students at this regional UPR campus reflect the local Carolina community they serve. Nearly all students come from Puerto Rico, showing the school's role as a neighborhood institution. Women make up almost two-thirds of enrollment, which aligns with the campus's focus on associate degrees and technical programs in fields like healthcare and education. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's mission to provide affordable higher education access to working-class Puerto Rican families. The student body represents the diverse Hispanic community of the greater San Juan metropolitan area.

Men: 35.1%
Women: 64.9%
White: 0.1%
Black: 3.8%
Hispanic: 92.1%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 74.2%

Location

Carolina sits just 20 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital and largest metropolitan area. The 2,367-student campus serves the northeastern coastal region of the island. Carolina blends suburban neighborhoods with proximity to beautiful Atlantic beaches and the El Yunque National Forest. The area offers a mix of residential communities and light industry, providing internship and job opportunities for students in technical fields. With 99.24% of students coming from Puerto Rico, the campus has deep local roots. The quarterly academic calendar aligns with the island's educational traditions. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare University of Puerto Rico-Carolina with similar schools in the region.

Address: Carolina, Puerto Rico 00984-4800

University of Puerto Rico-Carolina campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,626
Median Earnings (5 years): $26,961
Loan Repayment Rate: 57.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $58/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina?

The acceptance rate is 55.42%, making it moderately selective for students applying to this regional UPR campus. Students typically score around 934 on the SAT, with the middle 50% ranging from 825 to 1043.

How much does University of Puerto Rico-Carolina cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $14,072 after aid, making it one of the more affordable options in higher education. About 74% of students receive financial aid, and graduates leave with a median debt of just $5,500.

What academic programs is University of Puerto Rico-Carolina known for?

This regional UPR campus focuses on associate degrees and technical programs rather than traditional four-year degrees. With 2,367 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, it serves the Carolina area with career-focused education.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina?

The four-year graduation rate is 39%, while the six-year rate reaches 40%. Graduates earn a median salary of $30,626 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the technical and associate degree focus of the programs.

Where is University of Puerto Rico-Carolina located and who attends?

The campus sits in suburban Carolina, Puerto Rico, with 99% of the 2,367 students coming from in-state. Women make up 65% of enrollment, and 92% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the local Puerto Rican community.

Does University of Puerto Rico-Carolina offer athletics?

The school competes at the NAIA level with 12 varsity sports and 129 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total $168,534 across all sports, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this technical-focused institution.