At $14,072/yr net price, University of Puerto Rico-Carolina graduates earn $30,626/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,072 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,626/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,374/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.2% |
| 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 | $13,801/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,401/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,824/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,999/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
40.2% of students at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina 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 return at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina is weak, and the numbers say so plainly. Median earnings ten years out sit at $30,626, barely above what many high school graduates earn and well below the national bachelor's median. You pay around $14,000 a year net for a degree that, on average, does not translate into strong wages in Puerto Rico's job market.
The one thing working in your favor is debt. A median of $5,500 is remarkably low, so you are unlikely to leave buried in loans. That changes the math: a weak salary hurts far less when you are not paying off $30,000. The real risk here is not debt, it's stalled income and the 40% graduation rate. Six in ten students do not finish on the standard timeline, and if you drop out you carry cost with no credential to show for it.
Among programs, Finance and Business Administration are your best bets, each landing graduates near $18,000. Psychology trails, and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies is the clear loser at $10,925 , a number that should make you think hard before choosing it. Pick your major deliberately, because the spread between the top and bottom program is nearly double.
Net price barely moves across income brackets, from about $13,800 for families under $30k to $15,000 for those earning $75-110k. There is no steep discount for low-income families here, so the sticker cost is close to what most people actually pay.
This school fits you if you are staying in Puerto Rico, keeping costs low, and studying finance or business. If you want strong earnings after graduation, or you are considering the interdisciplinary track, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Puerto Rico-Carolina worth the cost for the low graduation rate?
With a 40% graduation rate, UPR-Carolina has significant completion risk that affects its value proposition. The low net price of $14,072 annually helps offset this concern, but students should have strong academic preparation and clear career goals before enrolling.
What programs at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina offer the best return on investment?
Finance programs lead with $18,771 median earnings, followed by business administration at $17,717. Psychology and interdisciplinary studies programs show lower earning potential at $16,394 and $10,925 respectively, which may not justify the time investment.
How much debt do University of Puerto Rico-Carolina graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of just $5,500, which is exceptionally low compared to national averages. This minimal debt load makes UPR-Carolina financially accessible, though the relatively low post-graduation earnings of $30,626 still limit overall ROI.
Does University of Puerto Rico-Carolina provide good value compared to other options?
The school offers decent value for students who complete their programs due to very low costs and minimal debt. However, the 40% graduation rate and below-average post-graduation earnings make it a higher-risk investment that works best for cost-conscious students with strong academic foundations.