P

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

PrivateHSICity: Midsize

About Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is a private Catholic university in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It is known for its programs in biology, nursing, psychology, and social work, serving as one of the largest private universities on the island.

Founded

1948

Location

Ponce, PR

Students

5,436

Institution

Private

Known For

CatholicPuerto RicoBiologyHSI

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

98.1%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

48.6%

Below national average

Tuition

$6,650

Per year

Avg Net Price

$13,192

After financial aid

SAT Average

1300

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$24,908

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
98.1%

Open Admission

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

Free

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce accepts the majority of applicants at 98.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

1300/ 1600

850780710640570500
600
Math: 600
595
R&W: 595
25th
680
Math: 680
680
R&W: 680
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

N/A

Not reported

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
48.6%

Below Average

48.6% complete their degree within six years

Retention

83.1%

4-Year Grad

13%

6-Year Grad

43%

Teaching Quality

21:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

69.1%

$/Student

$4.7K

Class Size

Large

The 13% graduation rate is below average, but 83.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$6,650

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$6,791

Books & Supplies

$3,624

Total Cost of Attendance

$20,508

After Financial Aid

$13,192

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$12,384

Receive Grants

80.7%

Take Loans

30.2%

The total cost of attendance runs about $20,508/yr, including $6,791 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,192.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce fund their education.

While in School

80.7%

Get Grants

Free money

30.2%

Take Loans

Must repay

$10,990

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$15,500

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$164/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Only 30.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce.

Gender

64.1%

Female

/

36%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

99.6%
0.3%
Hispanic
International

Enrollment

3,874

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

1,562

Graduates

30.8%

First-Gen

21 yrs

Avg Age

9.7%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 30.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Midsize

City: Midsize

Campus Quick Facts

3,874

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Doctoral

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce fields 12 varsity teams with 231 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.

Division

Other

Association not listed by the survey

Conference

Not reported

Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams

Varsity Sports

12

Biggest: Track & Cross Country

Student Athletes

231

6% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

52% / 48%

119

Men

/

112

Women

11

Men's Teams

11

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
37
Track & XC
35
Soccer
29
Basketball
29
Volleyball
21
Baseball

Every Varsity Team

Track & Cross Country37Soccer35Basketball29Volleyball29Baseball21Other Sports21Weight Lifting16Softball14Tennis9Beach Volleyball8Swimming6Table Tennis6

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponceearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$24,908

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$21K
6yr
$19K
8yr
$25K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Biology, General

$18K

175 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$12K

103 grads

1yr Earnings

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$20K

52 grads

1yr Earnings

Psychology, General

$26K

44 grads

1yr Earnings

Social Work

$19K

35 grads

4yr Earnings

Criminology

$16K

32 grads

1yr Earnings

Median earnings are $25K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

What is the acceptance rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce has an acceptance rate of 98.1%. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce accepts the majority of applicants at 98.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce cost?
Tuition at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is $6,650 for in-state students and $6,650 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $20,508/yr, including $6,791 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,192.
What is the graduation rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce has a graduation rate of 48.6%. The 13% graduation rate is below average, but 83.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce graduates earn?
The median earnings for Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce graduates is $24,908 ten years after enrollment. Median earnings are $25K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.