Universidad Ana G.
Mendez-Gurabo Campus stands out for making private education highly affordable, with net prices for low-income students among the lowest in the nation.
The university's strong financial aid programs and zero default rate show its commitment to accessible education and responsible borrowing practices.
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus serves as an accessible private institution in Puerto Rico, though it faces significant challenges in delivering strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. While the university excels at affordability—with net prices for low-income students averaging just $6,848 annually—graduates earn a median of $26,223 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom 10% nationally for earnings outcomes. This creates a complex value proposition where immediate affordability comes with trade-offs in career earning potential.
The university's strength lies in its commitment to access, with over 82% of students receiving Pell Grants and substantial financial aid packages that make private education attainable for Puerto Rican families. However, graduation rates remain concerning, with only 30% of students completing their degrees within six years, though Pell recipients actually graduate at higher rates than the overall student body.
As a medium-sized private nonprofit institution, Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus occupies a unique position in Puerto Rico's higher education landscape. It provides an alternative to public options with more personalized attention and lower net costs than many mainland private universities, but prospective students must weigh these benefits against the reality of modest post-graduation earnings that may limit long-term financial mobility.
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus focuses on practical, career-oriented programs that serve Puerto Rico's workforce needs, though earnings outcomes vary significantly by field. Licensed Practical Nurse Training enrolls the most students with 252 graduates and generates the highest aggregate return, reflecting strong local demand for healthcare workers, though individual earnings average $23,262. Business Administration, the second-largest program with 175 graduates, produces median earnings of $26,421 and represents a core strength for the university.
Mechanical Engineering stands out as the highest-earning program despite smaller enrollment of 46 students, with graduates earning $39,369 ten years out—demonstrating that technical programs can lead to more competitive salaries even within the regional job market. Psychology presents the most challenging outcomes with just 67 graduates earning a median of $14,230, highlighting the importance of program selection for students concerned about long-term earning potential.
The program mix reflects the university's mission to prepare students for local workforce opportunities, with particular strength in healthcare, business, and select engineering fields. However, the overall earnings profile across programs remains well below national averages, suggesting that while the university provides valuable career preparation within Puerto Rico's economic context, graduates may face limitations when competing in broader job markets or pursuing opportunities that require higher earning potential.
Graduates of Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus face significant challenges in achieving strong long-term earnings, with median income reaching just $26,223 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution in the bottom 10% nationally for graduate earnings, though the university does provide some earnings beyond expectations—graduates earn about $3,574 more than similar students at comparable institutions. While this earnings advantage is meaningful in relative terms, the absolute earnings levels remain well below national averages for college graduates.
Program choice significantly impacts earning potential at the university. Mechanical Engineering graduates achieve the highest earnings at $39,369 ten years out, demonstrating that technical programs can lead to more competitive salaries. Business Administration graduates, the largest program with 175 students, earn a median of $26,421, while Licensed Practical Nurse Training, despite being the highest aggregate return program with 252 graduates, produces earnings of $23,262. Psychology graduates face the most challenging outcomes, with median earnings of just $14,230.
The university's program mix reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented education, with substantial enrollment in nursing, business, and select engineering fields. However, the overall earnings profile suggests that even graduates in higher-paying fields earn significantly less than their counterparts at institutions in the continental United States, reflecting both regional economic conditions and the specific career pathways available to graduates in Puerto Rico's job market.
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus delivers exceptional affordability, particularly for low-income students who pay an average net price of just $6,848 annually—well below national averages for both private and public institutions. Middle-income families face slightly higher costs at $9,578 per year, but these remain highly competitive compared to similar private institutions. The university's strong financial aid programs make private education accessible to Puerto Rican families across income levels.
Debt levels are generally manageable relative to the low net prices, with typical graduates borrowing $13,448 in federal student loans and families taking on $7,505 in Parent PLUS loans when they choose to contribute directly. The federal loan default rate stands at 0%, indicating that despite modest post-graduation earnings, borrowers are successfully managing their repayment obligations. This suggests that the combination of low debt levels and local economic conditions creates a sustainable debt structure for most graduates.
The university's affordability model works particularly well for students who plan to remain in Puerto Rico after graduation, where lower living costs help stretch earnings further. However, graduates who move to higher-cost mainland markets may find that the modest debt levels, while manageable, don't fully offset the earnings limitations when competing in more expensive job markets with higher salary expectations.
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
