About University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
Students pay an average net price of $6,507 after aid, making this one of the most affordable four-year options available. Graduates earn a median of $35,723 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt loads of just $5,500, monthly loan payments average only $58. Nearly 65% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants. The math works in students' favor here.
The student body is overwhelmingly local, with 99% coming from Puerto Rico, and women make up 63% of enrollment. About half of graduates find employment within six years. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 21 varsity sports and 293 student-athletes. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, though the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges for many.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 73.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.5%
- Retention Rate
- 79.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,723
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Law. | Master | $28,236 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $25,889 |
| Social Work. | Master | $25,194 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $23,340 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $22,087 |
| Architecture. | Master | $20,824 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $18,498 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $18,498 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $17,624 |
Campus Life
With 99.15% of students from Puerto Rico, the campus pulses with local culture and Spanish-language conversations. Women make up 63.27% of the student body, and the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. Most students commute from nearby neighborhoods since on-campus housing is limited. Weekends often mean beach trips to nearby Condado or exploring Old San Juan's cobblestone streets just minutes away.
The 79.86% retention rate reflects students who stay connected to campus life despite commuting. Basketball games draw crowds as the NCAA Division II teams compete, while students gather in the central plaza between classes. Campus traditions run deep here as Puerto Rico's top public university, where studying often happens in outdoor spaces under palm trees.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 66°–84°F
- July Avg
- 72°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 75.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.7%
- Women
- 63.3%
- White
- 0.1%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 84.5%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 99.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 64.8%
Location
- Address
- San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-0000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,723
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $33,369
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $58/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $5,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras?
The acceptance rate is 51.59%, making it the most selective public university in Puerto Rico. As the flagship campus of the UPR system, it attracts top students from across the island who compete for spots in its highly regarded programs.
How much does University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $6,507 per year, with 64.75% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,691 on average, making this one of the most affordable flagship universities in the United States.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras?
The student-faculty ratio is 12:1 with 8,748 total students enrolled. This relatively small ratio allows for more personalized attention in a research university setting that has produced notable alumni like actor Benicio del Toro and singer Ricky Martin.
What are the graduation rates at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras?
The four-year graduation rate is 49.49% and the six-year rate is 52.50%. Graduates earn a median salary of $35,723 ten years after graduation, which reflects the economic realities of Puerto Rico's job market.
Where is University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital and largest city, with 99.15% of students coming from in-state. With 21 varsity sports and 293 student athletes competing at the NCAA Division II level, the campus maintains an active athletic culture alongside its academic focus.
How diverse is the student body at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras?
The student body is 84.50% Hispanic and 63.27% female, reflecting Puerto Rico's demographics. This creates a unique cultural environment where students can pursue higher education while remaining connected to their Puerto Rican heritage and community.
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