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 keeps costs low and debt lower, but the payoff after graduation is thin. You'd borrow a median of $5,500 total, less than one year's net price at most private schools, and pay under $7,000 a year at typical family incomes. That's the strong half of the picture. The weak half is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit below $36,000, and the school's own top-earning bachelor's programs pay far less than that early on.
The programs that lead here still don't lead far. Marketing and finance top the list, yet both start graduates around $22,000 to $23,000. Special education, public relations, and general psychology land lower, near $18,000 to $20,000. If you're choosing a major for early income, marketing and finance are your best bets on this campus, but none of these fields will put you far ahead of the local wage floor. The San Juan job market caps what these degrees return, and that shows up in the numbers.
The main risk is opportunity cost, not debt. You won't leave buried in loans, but you also won't see the earnings bump that justifies four-plus years and a 52.5% graduation rate. Nearly half of students don't finish, and if you're one of them, you spend the time without the credential.
This school fits you if you're paying out of pocket, staying in Puerto Rico, and want a low-debt path in a field like finance or marketing. If your family earns over $110k, your net price more than doubles to about $12,800, which changes the math. And if you're planning to earn well early, the salary data says look at schools with stronger outcomes before committing.
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.