University of Puerto Rico at Cayey combines open access admission with exceptional affordability, ranking at the 99.4th percentile for cost management. With 75.7% Pell-eligible enrollment and median debt of just $5,000, the institution provides accessible higher education pathways while maintaining solid academic standards reflected in strong SAT performance.
With below average outcomes, reflecting the challenge of generating strong earnings growth relative to educational investment
With exceptional tier performance, reflecting extraordinarily low costs and minimal debt requirements for students
With excellent tier performance, indicating strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and underrepresented students
With above average performance, showing modest success in economic advancement outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Exceptional affordability with open access admission
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey ranks #333 nationally with composite performance at the 79.6th percentile, reflecting well above average institutional outcomes. Located in Cayey, Puerto Rico, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission with a 95.8% acceptance rate while serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student population.
The institution enrolls 75.7% Pell-eligible students and 19.1% first-generation students, demonstrating strong commitment to educational access. With SAT scores ranging from 858 to 1098 and performance at the 85th percentile nationally, admitted students show solid academic preparation despite the institution's open admission policy.
UC Cayey's accessibility combined with controlled costs positions it as an affordable pathway to higher education, though graduates should anticipate modest earnings outcomes relative to peer institutions across the national landscape.
UC Cayey delivers higher education at exceptionally low cost with minimal debt burden. Graduates earn a median of $30,958 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
However, the institution generates earnings outcomes around the national average when accounting for student demographics and program mix, with value-added earnings of negative $1,853. Earnings range from $20,415 at the 25th percentile to $48,488 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity from education and psychology to biology and business administration.
Students seeking affordable higher education in Puerto Rico with strong institutional support for graduation. Particularly well-suited for first-generation students and those prioritizing low debt levels, though prospective students should carefully evaluate earnings potential by program and consider the modest overall earning outcomes relative to peers.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey maintains open access admission with a 95.8% acceptance rate, meaning roughly 19 out of 20 applicants receive admission offers. This places UC Cayey well above the peer median admission rate of 84.6%, indicating significantly more accessible admission compared to similar public institutions.
The open access policy reflects the university's mission to provide educational opportunity to Puerto Rican students regardless of competitive academic metrics, though admitted students still demonstrate solid academic preparation through standardized testing. For prospective students, this admission rate means acceptance is highly likely for those meeting basic eligibility requirements.
Students should focus their application energy on understanding program requirements and ensuring strong academic preparation for success once enrolled, rather than worrying about competitive admission. The high acceptance rate allows students to treat UC Cayey as a reliable option when building their college list, providing security alongside any reach schools they may be considering.
However, students should carefully evaluate program-specific outcomes and career alignment, as admission accessibility doesn't guarantee all academic paths will meet their long-term goals.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey maintains exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $15,746 per year, comprising $5,354 in tuition, room and board costs, and $2,168 for books and supplies. The average student pays just $9,148 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,598 from the sticker price.
This net price ranks significantly below the peer median of $14,093, making UC Cayey $4,945 more affordable than comparable public institutions. The institution's affordability index ranks at the 99.4th percentile nationally, placing it among the most affordable options we track.
Net prices range from $8,652 for the lowest-income families to $15,746 for the highest-income bracket, showing strong financial aid targeting toward students with the greatest need. With 75.7% of students qualifying for Pell grants, the majority of UC Cayey's student body benefits from substantial federal and institutional aid that makes college affordable for working-class families.
This combination of low sticker prices and strong need-based aid creates an environment where students can pursue higher education without the debt burdens common at many four-year institutions nationwide.
UC Cayey graduates demonstrate steady but modest earnings growth over time. Median earnings increase from $21,819 six years after enrollment to $26,854 at eight years and $30,958 at ten years, representing 41.9% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,001 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. The institution generates earnings outcomes around the national average when controlling for student characteristics, with value-added earnings of negative $1,853 placing it at the 48th percentile nationally.
Earnings outcomes vary significantly by program, with Biology graduates earning $36,318 compared to Natural Sciences graduates earning $19,570. Approximately 26% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study based on program mix estimates, indicating moderate rates of advanced education pursuit.
Compared to peer institutions with similar characteristics, UC Cayey graduates earn $19,158 less annually, highlighting the importance of program selection and career planning for maximizing post-graduation outcomes.
Biology, General.
84 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
28 graduates
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.
11 graduates
Analytical Chemistry.
23 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
85 graduates
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey offers 8 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available. Biology, General ranks #294 nationally and #2 in Puerto Rico, graduating 84 students with median earnings of $36,318 and a value score of 20.4.
Natural Sciences ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Puerto Rico, graduating 82 students with median earnings of $19,570 and a value score of 25.0, representing one of the top-performing programs nationally in this specialized field. Psychology, Other ranks #4 nationally and #2 in Puerto Rico, graduating 55 students with median earnings of $20,331.
Business Administration and Management graduates 28 students with median earnings of $29,017, while Accounting Technology graduates the largest cohort at 85 students with earnings of $24,177. The institution's program portfolio emphasizes sciences, education, and business fields, with several programs achieving top state rankings despite modest earnings outcomes.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla Similar quality tier in Territories (#330 ranked) | PR | 82% | $27,997 | #330 | Compare |
State University Of New York At New Paltz Similar quality tier (#318 ranked) | NY | 59% | $58,073 | #318 | Compare |
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Similar quality tier (#335 ranked) | MA | 95% | $82,392 | #335 | Compare |
Virginia Military Institute Similar quality tier (#316 ranked) | VA | 82% | $77,369 | #316 | Compare |
Norfolk State University Similar quality tier (#337 ranked) | VA | 87% | $44,666 | #337 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the University Of Puerto Rico At Cayey hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-puerto-rico-at-cayey/analysis.
