University of Puerto Rico-Utuado: 68.0% Acceptance Rate

68.0%Acceptance

$5,354Tuition

310Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$23,906Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Puerto Rico-Utuado

The University of Puerto Rico at Utuado serves a tight-knit community of 310 students in the mountainous interior of Puerto Rico. This regional campus focuses on agricultural sciences and sustainable development, drawing students who want hands-on learning in rural settings. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know every student by name. As part of the UPR system, it maintains strong ties to Puerto Rican culture and environmental stewardship programs.

Students pay an average net price of $12,386 annually, with 81.5% receiving financial aid. The relatively low median debt of $3,500 reflects the school's affordability, though graduates face challenging job markets with median earnings of $23,906 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average just $37, making this one of the most manageable debt loads in higher education. However, the 35.14% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle with employment or pursue further education.

Only 60% of students return for their second year, and the 24.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many face balancing work and studies. The Guaraguaos compete in eight NAIA sports with 29 total athletes, creating a small but spirited campus community where nearly everyone knows each other.

Academics & Faculty

UPR-Utuado operates as a regional campus focused on undergraduate education with agricultural and environmental programs at its core. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally in this close-knit academic environment. However, only 18.45% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and studies in this rural setting. The campus has built a reputation for hands-on agricultural science and environmental studies programs that take advantage of Puerto Rico's unique ecosystems. With just 310 students total, classes feel more like collaborative workshops than lectures. The low graduation rate of 24.60% over six years suggests students often need extended time to complete degrees while managing family and work obligations.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 18.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.6%
Retention Rate: 60.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $23,906
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

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Campus Life

The mountainous town of Utuado sits about 90 minutes from San Juan, surrounded by coffee plantations and limestone hills. With only 310 students enrolled, everyone knows each other on this small regional campus. The tropical climate means shorts and t-shirts year-round, though you'll want a light jacket for cooler mountain evenings.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. Nearly half the student body identifies as Hispanic, reflecting the campus's deep Puerto Rican roots. The Guaraguaos compete in NAIA athletics with 29 total athletes across 8 sports. With 100% of students coming from Puerto Rico, the campus maintains strong ties to local culture and traditions.

Weekends often revolve around exploring Utuado's natural attractions like Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park or hiking in the nearby mountains. The rural-fringe setting means limited nightlife options, but students create their own entertainment through campus events and outdoor activities. The 60% retention rate suggests some students find the small-town atmosphere too limiting, while others thrive in the close-knit community.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 59°–84°F
July Avg: 66°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 71.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly half the students are Hispanic, reflecting the campus's deep ties to Puerto Rico's central mountain region. The student body draws entirely from in-state, creating a close-knit community of local students. Over 80% receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves families with significant financial need. The nearly even gender split of 310 students creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. This small regional campus attracts students seeking affordable education close to home, often first-generation college students from rural Puerto Rican communities looking to stay connected to their roots.

Men: 49.4%
Women: 50.7%
White: 0.0%
Black: 2.9%
Hispanic: 47.4%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 81.5%

Location

Utuado sits in Puerto Rico's mountainous central region, about 60 miles southwest of San Juan. The campus serves a rural-fringe community surrounded by the island's coffee-growing highlands and lush tropical forests. With just 310 students, the university creates an intimate learning environment in this small mountain town known for its agricultural heritage. The setting offers a stark contrast to Puerto Rico's coastal urban centers, providing students with a quieter academic atmosphere amid the Cordillera Central mountains. All students come from within Puerto Rico, reflecting the campus's role as a local educational center. Students considering colleges in Puerto Rico may also compare University of Puerto Rico-Utuado with similar schools in the region.

Address: Utuado, Puerto Rico 00641

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $23,906
Median Earnings (5 years): $21,256
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $37/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $3,500

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The acceptance rate is 68.04%, making admission moderately competitive. This regional campus serves as an accessible entry point into the UPR system for students in the mountainous central region of Puerto Rico.

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

The average net price is $12,386, with 81.50% of students receiving financial aid. As part of the public UPR system, the school maintains the same affordable tuition of $5,354 for all students regardless of residency status.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Puerto Rico-Utuado?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, providing intimate class sizes with just 310 total students enrolled. This small campus environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between students and professors.

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

The 6-year graduation rate is 24.60% and the 4-year rate is 18.45%, reflecting challenges common among students who often work while attending school. Graduates earn a median of $23,906 ten years after graduation, with relatively low debt burdens averaging just $3,500.

Where is University of Puerto Rico-Utuado located?

The campus sits in Utuado, a rural-fringe town in Puerto Rico's mountainous interior known for its coffee plantations and natural beauty. The rural setting provides a quiet academic environment while maintaining connections to Puerto Rico's agricultural heritage.

Does University of Puerto Rico-Utuado offer athletics?

The Guaraguaos compete in NAIA athletics with 8 varsity sports and 29 total athletes. The athletic program offers $40,800 in scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small but active sports community.