UnisHub University Compass

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

0 · 0 reviews

About Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Set in Puerto Rico's storied southern city, the campus blends Caribbean light with a faith-informed academic tradition. It's known for solid preparation in the liberal arts and professional fields like business, education, health, and law. Students learn in updated classrooms, labs, and studios, with a chapel and quiet libraries close by. Advising, tutoring, counseling, and career guidance are easy to reach.

Student life is active and community-minded, with service projects, cultural groups, arts, intramurals, and shaded meetups. The vibe is bilingual, welcoming, and grounded in ethics and reflection. Career prep grows through internships and partnerships in Ponce and across the island, plus alumni connections. The city's plazas, museums, courts, hospitals, and coastline become learning spaces. And traditions that weave faith, service, and family give the place real heart.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
2250 Boulevard Luis A. Ferre Aguayo Suite 608, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00717, USA
Website
pucpr.edu
Unit ID
241410

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
MSCHE
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Campus Setting
Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R3 (Moderate Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$6,340
Tuition $5,520 + Fee $820
Out-of-State
$6,340
Tuition $5,520 + Fee $820
Student Profile
Total Students 5,562
Undergraduate 3,827
Graduate/Other 1,735
Male: 1,898 Female: 3,664
Applications
Total Applicants 3,020
Admitted 2,728
Enrolled 760
Acceptance: 90.3% Yield: 27.9%
Staff
Total Staff 777
Full-time 622
Part-time 155
Full-time: 80.1% Part-time: 19.9%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce offers 69 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 951 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (9 programs, 180 graduates), Biological Sciences (4 programs, 163 graduates), Law (3 programs, 130 graduates), Business (13 programs, 102 graduates) and Psychology (4 programs, 80 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Health (9 programs, 180 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 75
Bachelor's
51.3801
Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology 24
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
51.1005
Cardiovascular Technology 23
Bachelor's
51.0901
Clinical Social Work 22
Master's
51.1503
Athletic Training 16
Associate's
51.0913
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant 11
Bachelor's
51.0816
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 6
Master's
51.2300
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 2
Master's
51.3810
Perioperative Nursing 1
Master's
51.3812
Biological Sciences (4 programs, 163 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biomedical Sciences 125
Bachelor's
26.0102
Biotechnology 20
Bachelor's
Master's
26.1201
Biology and Biological Sciences 16
Bachelor's
26.0101
Neuroscience 2
Master's
26.1501
Law (3 programs, 130 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Law 114
Doctorate (P)
22.0101
Health Law 10
Master's
22.0208
Pre-Law Studies 6
Bachelor's
22.0001
Business (13 programs, 102 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Tourism and Travel Services Marketing 17
Associate's
Bachelor's
52.1905
Accounting and Business Management 16
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0305
Business Administration and Management 15
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
52.0201
Accounting and Auditing 14
Bachelor's
52.0303
Marketing Management 9
Bachelor's
52.1401
Entrepreneurship Studies 8
Bachelor's
52.0701
Finance, General 6
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0801
Human Resources Management 6
Bachelor's
Master's
52.1001
Business Administration and Management 5
Bachelor's
52.0299
Business Administration 2
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0101
International Business and Trade 2
Bachelor's
Master's
52.1101
Transportation and Mobility Management 1
Bachelor's
52.0209
Administrative Assistant Science 1
Bachelor's
52.0401
Psychology (4 programs, 80 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 40
Bachelor's
42.0101
Clinical Psychology 27
Doctorate (R)
42.2801
Industrial-Organizational Psychology 7
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2804
School Psychology 6
Master's
42.2805
Arts (6 programs, 56 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Graphic Design 16
Associate's
50.0409
Fashion and Apparel Design 14
Associate's
Bachelor's
50.0407
Fine Arts and Art Studies 9
Bachelor's
50.0799
Music 8
Bachelor's
50.0901
Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 7
Bachelor's
50.0599
Painting 2
Master's
50.0708
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 51 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Liberal Arts and Sciences 51
Bachelor's
24.0101
Communication (5 programs, 32 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Radio and Television Broadcasting 19
Bachelor's
09.0701
Advertising 5
Bachelor's
09.0903
Public Relations and Advertising 4
Master's
09.0900
Public Relations and Image Management 3
Bachelor's
09.0902
Communication and Media Studies 1
Bachelor's
09.0100
Public Services (2 programs, 32 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Social Work 28
Bachelor's
44.0701
Public Administration 4
Master's
44.0401
Architecture (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Architecture 31
Bachelor's
04.0201

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Neither required nor recommended
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Neither required nor recommended
Personal Statement or Essay
Neither required nor recommended
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1123 - 1336
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 575 - 658
Median: 625
Math 548 - 678
Median: 660
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$22,800
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$22,800
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,340
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,340
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$6,663 (on) / $8,038 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$3,512
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$6,285 (on) / $6,661 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$9,357
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,911
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,911
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

19%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$6,892
Avg. Loan
$3,922
Avg. Federal Loan
$3,922
Additional
Students with Any Grant
742
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
165
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
696
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$916
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

48%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
79%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$13,683 – $40,900
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$13,683 (25th %) $40,900 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $24,908
Median Salary After 6 Years
$20,637
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$24,908
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
31.8%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
45.3%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$15,500
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 29.3%
Middle 41.6%
High 31.9%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 32.8%
Independent 28.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce

How much does it cost to attend Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce?

The annual tuition at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce is $6,340 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $22,800 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $6,663 (on) / $8,038 (off) and books and supplies $3,512.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce offer?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce offers 69 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (4 programs)
  • Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice (3 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (13 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (4 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce has an 90.3% acceptance rate and a 27.9% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 3,020
  • Students admitted: 2,728
  • Students enrolled: 760

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,892 and average loans of $3,922.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $6,435
  • State/Local grants: $578
  • Institutional grants: $916
  • Federal loans: $3,922

The university supports 742 students with grants and 165 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce graduates?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce graduates earn a median salary of $20,637 after 6 years and $24,908 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $13,683 (25th percentile) to $40,900 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for CEM College, San Juan
CEM College, San Juan
1206 13th. Street Ext San Agustin, San Juan, PR 00926-1931
View Profile
Campus map for Universidad Teologica del Caribe
Universidad Teologica del Caribe
Road 848 Km. 0.5 Callejon Marquez, Bo. Saint Just, Trujillo Alto, PR 00978-0901
View Profile
Campus map for Colegio Universitario de San Juan
Colegio Universitario de San Juan
180 Jose Oliver St Tres Monjitas Ind. Park, San Juan, PR 00918
View Profile
Campus map for Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Cupey Campus
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Cupey Campus
1399 Ave. Ana G. Mendez, San Juan, PR 00926-2602
View Profile
Found this helpful? Share it!

Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.