Caribbean University-Ponce removes financial barriers that prevent many students from accessing higher education, with net prices among the lowest in the nation for low-income families.
The university's commitment to affordability and access creates opportunities for students who might otherwise be unable to pursue college degrees.
Caribbean University-Ponce is a small private nonprofit institution in Puerto Rico that prioritizes accessibility over high earnings outcomes. The university serves a predominantly low-income student population, with nearly 75% of students receiving Pell Grants and about half being first-generation college students. While graduates earn modest incomes compared to national averages, the institution provides an affordable pathway to higher education for students who might otherwise lack college access.
The university's strength lies in its commitment to serving underrepresented populations rather than maximizing post-graduation earnings. With net prices around $6,680 for low-income students and relatively low debt levels, Caribbean University-Ponce removes many financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing higher education. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting high access but limited resources to drive strong earnings outcomes.
For families prioritizing affordability and access over high financial returns, Caribbean University-Ponce offers a viable option for students who want to earn a degree without taking on substantial debt. The university's focus on serving Puerto Rico's local community means graduates typically remain in the region, where cost of living and salary expectations differ significantly from mainland U.S. markets.
Caribbean University-Ponce focuses on providing broad educational access rather than specialized high-earning programs. The institution serves students across various fields of study, though specific program-level data is limited. The university's approach emphasizes degree completion and local workforce preparation rather than maximizing earnings in particular majors.
As a regional institution, the university likely prepares students for careers that serve Puerto Rico's local economy, including education, healthcare, business, and social services. While these fields may not generate the highest salaries, they provide essential services to the community and offer stable career paths for graduates who choose to remain in the region.
The university's value proposition centers on accessibility and degree attainment rather than program prestige or earnings maximization. For students seeking affordable higher education with the flexibility to pursue various academic interests, Caribbean University-Ponce provides a supportive environment focused on student success within realistic financial constraints.
Graduates of Caribbean University-Ponce see modest financial returns compared to national averages. Ten years after enrollment, typical graduates earn around $22,842, which places the institution in the bottom tier nationally for long-term earnings. However, graduates do earn slightly more than expected given the institution's student profile and resources, with earnings beyond expectations of about $1,103 annually.
The university's return profile reflects its mission as a regional institution serving Puerto Rico's local economy. With only 13 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution primarily prepares students for careers in fields that serve the local community rather than high-paying national markets. The modest earnings align with Puerto Rico's economic context, where salary levels and cost of living differ substantially from mainland United States.
While absolute earnings are low by national standards, the university does provide some economic mobility for its students. The positive earnings beyond expectations, though small, indicates that graduates perform slightly better than similar students at comparable institutions. For students prioritizing degree completion and local career opportunities over maximum earnings potential, the university delivers on its core educational mission.
Caribbean University-Ponce excels in affordability, particularly for low-income students. With a net price of just $6,680 for low-income families, the university ranks in the top 11% nationally for affordability. This low net price makes higher education accessible to students who might otherwise be priced out of college, supporting the institution's mission of serving Puerto Rico's underrepresented populations.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $10,500 in federal student loan debt, a relatively modest amount that reflects both the low net price and the institution's commitment to keeping education affordable. Parent PLUS borrowing averages just $4,000, indicating that families generally don't need to take on substantial additional debt to cover educational costs. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations despite modest post-graduation earnings.
Caribbean University-Ponce Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
