Colleges and Universities in Puerto Rico (PR)
Explore Puerto Rico's vibrant higher education landscape, featuring comprehensive universities, specialized colleges, and institutions that blend Hispanic culture with American academic standards across the Caribbean island. Navigate our platform to compare institutions from San Juan to Mayagüez, including major research universities and colleges offering programs in both Spanish and English. Use interactive search tools to discover unique programs in tropical agriculture, Caribbean studies, and fields that take advantage of Puerto Rico's strategic location and rich cultural heritage. Looking for universities and colleges near you in Puerto Rico? Our revolutionary tool is completely free and remarkably accurate.
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Best Colleges & Universities in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico offers 124 accredited higher education institutions serving over 167,883 students. The state features 19 public universities and colleges alongside 105 private institutions (48 non-profit, 57 for-profit). Average acceptance rate across Puerto Rico universities is 74.1%. The highest concentration of higher education institutions is found in San Juan (20), Bayamon (17), Caguas (10), Ponce (9), and Arecibo (7).
Whether you're looking for large research universities, specialized colleges, or community institutions, Puerto Rico's higher education landscape includes options across every price range and academic focus.
Top 5 Largest Public Universities in Puerto Rico
| Institution | City | Students | Tuition | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) | San Juan | 11,493 | $5,324 | N/A |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRM) | Mayaguez | 10,716 | $5,274 | N/A |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRB) | Bayamon | 2,967 | $6,284 | N/A |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRA) | Arecibo | 2,831 | $5,324 | N/A |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRH) | Humacao | 2,611 | $5,324 | N/A |
Top 5 Largest Private Universities in Puerto Rico
| Institution | City | Students | Tuition | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUC University (NUC) | Bayamon | 27,423 | $8,054 | N/A |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo) | Gurabo | 9,718 | $6,920 | N/A |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Cupey) | San Juan | 5,986 | $6,920 | N/A |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) | Ponce | 5,562 | $6,340 | SAT: 1123-1336 |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Carolina) | Carolina | 5,223 | $6,920 | N/A |
Complete List of Colleges & Universities in Puerto Rico, PR
Top 100 124 totalShowing top 100 institutions ranked by reported student enrollment
| # | Institution Name | Acceptance | Yield | Admissions | Tuition | Students | City | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NUC University (NUC) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,054 | 27,423 | Bayamon | Private | nuc.edu |
| 2 | University of Puerto Rico (UPR) | 53.2% | 74.1% | N/A | $5,324 | 11,493 | San Juan | Public | uprrp.edu |
| 3 | University of Puerto Rico (UPRM) | 52.2% | 81.6% | N/A | $5,274 | 10,716 | Mayaguez | Public | uprm.edu |
| 4 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,920 | 9,718 | Gurabo | Private | uagm.edu |
| 5 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Cupey) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,920 | 5,986 | San Juan | Private | uagm.edu |
| 6 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) | 90.3% | 27.9% | SAT: 1123-1336 | $6,340 | 5,562 | Ponce | Private | pucpr.edu |
| 7 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Carolina) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,920 | 5,223 | Carolina | Private | uagm.edu |
| 8 | Universidad del Sagrado Corazon | 53.4% | 50.3% | N/A | $6,360 | 4,660 | Santurce | Private | sagrado.edu |
| 9 | Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico | N/A | N/A | N/A | $9,810 | 4,390 | Hato Rey | Private | pupr.edu |
| 10 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 66.4% | 45.1% | N/A | $5,580 | 4,360 | San Juan | Private | metro.inter.edu |
| 11 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 36.4% | 97.3% | N/A | $5,580 | 3,535 | Bayamon | Private | bayamon.inter.edu |
| 12 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 46.7% | 98.5% | N/A | $5,542 | 3,295 | Aguadilla | Private | aguadilla.inter.edu |
| 13 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 50.7% | 98.5% | N/A | $5,580 | 3,163 | San German | Private | sg.inter.edu |
| 14 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 70.3% | 43% | N/A | $5,580 | 3,130 | Mercedita | Private | ponce.inter.edu |
| 15 | University of Puerto Rico (UPRB) | 92.5% | 89.7% | N/A | $6,284 | 2,967 | Bayamon | Public | uprb.edu |
| 16 | University of Puerto Rico (UPRA) | 62.3% | 77.7% | N/A | $5,324 | 2,831 | Arecibo | Public | upra.edu |
| 17 | Columbia Central University (CCU) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,054 | 2,810 | Caguas | Private | columbiacentral.edu |
| 18 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 37.8% | 98% | N/A | $5,580 | 2,694 | Arecibo | Private | arecibo.inter.edu |
| 19 | University of Puerto Rico (UPRH) | 58.5% | 88.5% | N/A | $5,324 | 2,611 | Humacao | Public | upr.edu |
| 20 | Albizu University | 100% | 71.6% | N/A | $7,797 | 2,534 | San Juan | Private | albizu.edu |
| 21 | University of Puerto Rico (UPRC) | 52.7% | 75.9% | SAT: 785-1019 | $7,986 | 2,428 | Carolina | Public | uprc.edu |
| 22 | University of Puerto Rico (UPR) | 56.1% | 75% | N/A | $5,324 | 2,319 | Ponce | Public | uprp.edu |
| 23 | Mech-Tech College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $11,504 | 2,246 | Caguas | Private | mechtech.edu |
| 24 | University of Puerto Rico (UPR Cayey) | 95.8% | 81.8% | SAT: 858-1098 | $5,324 | 2,218 | Cayey | Public | cayey.upr.edu |
| 25 | University of Puerto Rico (UPR‑MSC) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,945 | 1,950 | San Juan | Public | rcm.upr.edu |
| 26 | University of Puerto Rico (UPRAg) | 81.7% | 90.3% | SAT: 806-1057 | $5,924 | 1,894 | Aguadilla | Public | uprag.edu |
| 27 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 48.5% | 99.6% | N/A | $5,580 | 1,776 | Guayama | Private | guayama.inter.edu |
| 28 | Atlantic University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,280 | 1,600 | Guaynabo | Private | atlanticu.edu |
| 29 | EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc | 77.1% | 88.9% | N/A | $7,050 | 1,375 | San Juan | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| 30 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 35.6% | 90.8% | N/A | $5,580 | 1,288 | Fajardo | Private | fajardo.inter.edu |
| 31 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | 65.8% | 65.4% | N/A | $5,542 | 1,012 | Barranquitas | Private | br.inter.edu |
| 32 | EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP) | 96.2% | 100% | N/A | $7,050 | 1,007 | San Sebastian | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| 33 | Caribbean University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $5,932 | 929 | Bayamon | Private | caribbean.edu |
| 34 | Universidad Adventista de las Antillas (UAA) | 100% | 23.7% | N/A | $7,920 | 886 | Mayaguez | Private | uaa.edu |
| 35 | Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 886 | Ponce | Private | psm.edu |
| 36 | Universidad Central de Bayamon (UCB) | 86.4% | 95.8% | N/A | $5,986 | 783 | Bayamón | Private | ucb.edu.pr |
| 37 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico | 97.3% | 18.5% | N/A | $6,238 | 706 | Mayaguez | Private | mayaguez.pucpr.edu |
| 38 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 693 | San Juan | Private | derecho.inter.edu |
| 39 | Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) | 58% | 66.7% | N/A | $10,504 | 693 | Ponce | Private | psm.edu |
| 40 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) | 85.4% | 22.5% | N/A | $6,238 | 647 | Arecibo | Private | pucpr.edu |
| 41 | Atenas College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,362 | 611 | Manati | Private | atenascollege.edu |
| 42 | Caribbean University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $5,575 | 607 | Ponce | Private | caribbean.edu |
| 43 | Universidad Central Del Caribe (UCC) | 61.5% | 87.5% | N/A | $6,442 | 558 | Bayamon | Private | uccaribe.edu |
| 44 | Colegio de Cinematografia Artes y Television (CCAT) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,195 | 551 | Bayamon | Private | ccatpuertorico.com |
| 45 | Advantage Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 547 | Manati | Private | adtecpr.com |
| 46 | Colegio Universitario de San Juan (CUSJ) | 80.9% | 100% | N/A | $2,340 | 542 | San Juan | Public | cunisanjuan.edu |
| 47 | Century College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,575 | 509 | San Juan | Private | centurycollege.edu |
| 48 | Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico (EAPD) | 100% | 100% | SAT: 948-1096 | $4,902 | 497 | San Juan | Public | eap.edu |
| 49 | Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia (LAT) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $9,051 | 495 | San Juan | Private | liceo.edu |
| 50 | ICPR Junior College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,879 | 480 | Hato Rey | Private | icprjc.edu |
| 51 | Huertas College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,520 | 460 | Caguas | Private | huertas.edu |
| 52 | Automeca Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,895 | 459 | Bayamon | Private | automeca.com |
| 53 | EDP University of Puerto Rico | 66.4% | 77.5% | N/A | $7,050 | 449 | Manati | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| 54 | ICPR Junior College (ICPR) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,879 | 429 | Mayaguez | Private | icprjc.edu |
| 55 | ICPR Junior College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,879 | 414 | Manati | Private | icprjc.edu |
| 56 | San Juan Bautista School of Medicine (SJBSM) | 100% | 75% | N/A | $9,689 | 399 | Caguas | Private | sanjuanbautista.edu |
| 57 | Escuela Hotelera de San Juan (EHSJ) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $15,560 | 394 | Hato Rey | Private | escuelahotelera.edu |
| 58 | Dewey University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,245 | 387 | Hato Rey | Private | dewey.edu |
| 59 | Caribbean Forensic and Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,500 | 381 | San Juan | Private | caribbeanforensic.com |
| 60 | Center for Advanced Studies On Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (CEAPRC) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 362 | San Juan | Private | ceaprc.edu |
| 61 | Dewey University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,630 | 356 | Carolina | Private | dewey.edu |
| 62 | Antilles School of Technical Careers | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 348 | San Juan | Private | antillespr.edu |
| 63 | ICPR Junior College (ICPR) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,879 | 348 | Arecibo | Private | icprjc.edu |
| 64 | Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music (CMPR) | 81% | 76.6% | N/A | $3,370 | 339 | San Juan | Public | cmpr.edu |
| 65 | Emma's Beauty Academy | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 318 | Juana Diaz | Private | ebajuanadiaz.com |
| 66 | University of Puerto Rico (UPRU) | 64.1% | 47.8% | N/A | $5,324 | 317 | Utuado | Public | uprutuado.edu |
| 67 | Universidad Teologica del Caribe (UTC) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,660 | 301 | Trujillo Alto | Private | utcpr.edu |
| 68 | Instituto Tecnologico de Puerto Rico | 100% | 92.8% | N/A | $1,600 | 297 | Manati | Public | itec.pr |
| 69 | Automeca Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,895 | 284 | Ponce | Private | automeca.com |
| 70 | D'Mart Institute | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 283 | Barranquitas | Private | dmartpr.com |
| 71 | Instituto Educativo Premier | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 283 | Ponce | Private | premierponce.net |
| 72 | Advantage Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 283 | San Juan | Private | adtecpr.com |
| 73 | EDP University of Puerto Rico | 88.4% | 74.7% | N/A | $7,050 | 281 | Villalba | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| 74 | EDP University of Puerto Rico | 84.9% | 80.8% | N/A | $7,050 | 269 | Humacao | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| 75 | Instituto Tecnologico de Puerto Rico (ITPR) | 84.7% | 91% | N/A | $1,618 | 262 | Guayama | Public | de.gov |
| 76 | Dewey University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,630 | 255 | Manati | Private | dewey.edu |
| 77 | Advantage Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 251 | Aguadilla | Private | adtecpr.com |
| 78 | Dewey University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,630 | 248 | Juana Diaz | Private | dewey.edu |
| 79 | Emma's Beauty Academy | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 237 | Mayaguez | Private | emmasbeautyacademy.net |
| 80 | Ponce Health Sciences University | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 237 | Santurce | Private | psm.edu |
| 81 | Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa | N/A | N/A | N/A | $4,220 | 232 | Rio Piedras | Private | mizpa.edu |
| 82 | American Educational College (AEC) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,306 | 231 | Bayamon | Private | amedcopr.com |
| 83 | Automeca Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,895 | 231 | Aguadilla | Private | automeca.com |
| 84 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico (IAUPR) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 217 | Bayamon | Private | optonet.inter.edu |
| 85 | Caribbean University | N/A | N/A | N/A | $5,932 | 215 | Vega Baja | Private | caribbean.edu |
| 86 | Humacao Community College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,117 | 207 | Humacao | Private | hccpr.edu |
| 87 | Modern Hairstyling Institute (MHI) | 95.5% | 89.5% | N/A | N/A | 206 | Carolina | Private | modern.edu |
| 88 | Escuela de Peritos Electricistas de Isabela Inc (EPEI) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 198 | Isabela | Private | escueladeperitospr.com |
| 89 | Modern Hairstyling Institute | 92.9% | 92.8% | N/A | N/A | 197 | Bayamon | Private | modern.edu |
| 90 | Escuela Tecnica de Electricidad | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 195 | Ponce | Private | etepr.edu |
| 91 | Automeca Technical College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,895 | 194 | Caguas | Private | automeca.com |
| 92 | PPG Technical College (PPG) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,620 | 194 | Caguas | Private | estudiappg.com |
| 93 | Caribbean Aviation Training Institute Inc (CATI) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $15,480 | 191 | Carolina | Private | caribav.com |
| 94 | Instituto Tecnologico de Puerto Rico (ITPR) | 76% | 84.2% | N/A | $3,707 | 190 | San Juan | Public | instituto-tecnologico-de-puerto-rico-1.jimdosite.com |
| 95 | Liceo de Arte-Dise-O y Comercio | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12,226 | 190 | Caguas | Private | liceocaguas.com |
| 96 | Professional Technical Institution (PTI) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 187 | Bayamon | Private | ptipr.edu |
| 97 | Academia Serrant Inc | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 186 | Ponce | Private | serrant.edu |
| 98 | CEM College | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12,900 | 178 | San Juan | Private | cemcollege.edu |
| 99 | MyrAngel Beauty Institute | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 175 | San Lorenzo | Private | myrangelbeautyinstitute.com |
| 100 | CEM College (CEM) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12,900 | 174 | Humacao | Private | cemcollege.edu |
Currently showing top 100 institutions ranked by enrollment. Click to view all 24 more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about colleges and universities in Puerto Rico
How many accredited colleges are located in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is home to 124 accredited colleges and universities, enrolling over 167,883 students combined. This includes 19 public institutions, 48 private non-profit colleges, and 57 private for-profit schools. Whether you're looking for large research universities with 30,000+ students or small private colleges with personalized attention, Puerto Rico offers options across the full spectrum of higher education. Use our interactive map and filters above to explore institutions by size, tuition range, and degree level.
Data from U.S. Department of Education IPEDS database, 2022-2024 academic year. Includes all accredited degree-granting institutions.
What's the typical cost of college tuition in Puerto Rico?
Tuition costs in Puerto Rico vary significantly by institution type. The average annual tuition across all institutions is $7,131, but here's how it breaks down:
• Public colleges - Often the most affordable option, averaging around $4,819 per year for in-state residents
• Private universities - Generally higher tuition, averaging approximately $7,758 annually, though many offer substantial financial aid packages
• Community and technical colleges - The budget-friendly choice, often under $5,000 per year for associate degrees and certificates
Remember that published tuition prices don't reflect the final cost for most students-financial aid, scholarships, and grants can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Use our tuition filter in the map above to find colleges within your budget.
Tuition data from IPEDS 2022-2024 academic year. Costs shown are for in-state undergraduate tuition and required fees. Actual costs vary by program and student residency.
Which universities in Puerto Rico have the highest enrollment?
The largest universities in Puerto Rico by student enrollment are:
42. NUC University (NUC) - 27,423 students
54. University of Puerto Rico (UPR) - 11,493 students
51. University of Puerto Rico (UPRM) - 10,716 students
These large institutions offer extensive academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus communities. However, larger doesn't always mean better-some students thrive in smaller college environments with closer faculty relationships and more personalized attention. Browse our complete directory above to compare enrollment sizes alongside acceptance rates, tuition costs, and available degree programs to find your ideal campus environment.
Enrollment data from IPEDS Fall 2023 reporting period. Numbers reflect total student headcount including undergraduate and graduate students.
Are there affordable community college options in Puerto Rico?
Yes! Puerto Rico has 84 community and technical colleges offering affordable pathways to higher education. These institutions typically charge around $6,648 per year for in-state tuition. They provide:
• Associate degree programs (2 years) that transfer to four-year universities
• Career-focused certificates in high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and skilled trades
• Open admission policies making higher education accessible to all students
• Flexible class schedules including evening, weekend, and online options
Many students start at community college to complete general education requirements affordably, then transfer to a four-year university-saving thousands of dollars while earning the same bachelor's degree. Filter by "2-4 Year Programs" in our map above to explore community college options.
Community college data from IPEDS 2022-2024. Tuition rates shown are for in-state students and may vary by program.
How competitive are college admissions in Puerto Rico?
Admission competitiveness in Puerto Rico varies widely. Inter American University of Puerto Rico and Inter American University of Puerto Rico are highly selective, while community colleges typically have open enrollment policies welcoming all applicants.
Among four-year universities reporting admissions data:
• Moderately selective schools accept 30-70% of applicants
• Less selective colleges accept over 70% of applicants
Check our university directory above for acceptance rates, average SAT/ACT scores, and yield rates (the percentage of admitted students who enroll). Remember that admission requirements extend beyond test scores-many Puerto Rico colleges use holistic review considering GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and personal circumstances.
Admissions data from IPEDS 2022-2024. Acceptance rates reflect percentage of applicants offered admission. Actual selectivity varies by program and applicant pool.
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