At $6,507/yr net price, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras graduates earn $35,723/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,723/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,507 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,723/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,723/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.5% |
| 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 | $5,691/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,089/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,024/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,161/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,782/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | Master | $28,236 | $50,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $25,889 | $12,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $25,194 | $14,700 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $23,340 | $5,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $22,087 | |
| Architecture. | Master | $20,824 | $13,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $20,140 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $18,498 | $5,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $18,498 | $5,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $17,624 |
The Risk Factor
52.5% of students at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras 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-Rio Piedras delivers strong financial value with a low net price but produces concerning graduate earnings that lag behind typical college returns. Your education costs just $6,507 annually, yet median earnings reach only $35,723 ten years after graduation.
Law graduates face the worst financial outcome at this campus, earning $28,236 while carrying $50,500 in debt. This represents a particularly poor return given the investment required. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions offer better prospects with $25,889 in earnings and manageable $12,000 debt loads. Social work provides similar earnings at $25,194 with slightly higher debt at $14,700.
The low graduation rate of 52.5% creates significant financial risk since dropping out eliminates your earning potential while leaving you with debt. Nearly two-thirds of students receive financial aid, suggesting the published net price reflects substantial assistance already factored in.
This university works best financially if you can complete your degree and plan to work in Puerto Rico, where lower living costs help stretch the modest earnings. You should avoid law programs here given the poor debt-to-income ratio. Business programs like marketing and finance produce graduates with reasonable debt levels relative to their earnings.
Your biggest financial strategy involves graduating on time, as the retention rate suggests many students struggle academically. The extremely low median debt of $5,500 means most graduates avoid heavy borrowing, but only if they finish their programs successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,507 and median debt of only $5,500, UPR-Rio Piedras offers exceptional value despite modest earnings outcomes. The low cost makes it financially accessible, though graduates earn $35,723 after 10 years, which is below national averages.
What are the best paying programs at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras?
Law leads with $28,236 in early career earnings, followed by rehabilitation and therapeutic professions at $25,889. However, even the top programs produce earnings well below what graduates from similar programs earn nationally.
How much debt do University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras graduates have?
The median debt is just $5,500, making UPR-Rio Piedras one of the most affordable options for a bachelor's degree. This low debt load significantly reduces financial risk for graduates.
Does University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras have good graduation rates?
The graduation rate is 52.50%, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. This is concerning and suggests academic or financial challenges that prevent many students from completing their programs.