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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $15,909 |
| Tuition and Fees | $5,354 |
| Books and Supplies | $4,168 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$5,733 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,176 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,495 |
| $30–48k | $9,682 |
| $48–75k | $11,897 |
| $75–110k | $12,913 |
| $110k+ | $13,433 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC Cayey graduates carry exceptionally low debt burdens, with median debt of just $5,000 at graduation. This debt level ranks at the 92nd percentile nationally, meaning UC Cayey produces less indebted graduates than 92% of four-year institutions tracked.
Debt levels range from $3,500 at the 25th percentile to $5,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating remarkably consistent low borrowing across the student body. Compared to the peer median debt of $21,105, UC Cayey graduates carry $16,105 less debt, representing a substantial advantage in post-graduation financial flexibility.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 indicates highly manageable debt relative to income, with graduates' debt representing roughly 16% of their first-year earnings. This ratio suggests most graduates can manage loan payments comfortably without significant financial strain, supporting long-term economic stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC Cayey represents an exceptional value proposition for students prioritizing minimal debt over maximum earnings potential. While graduates earn around the national average when controlling for student demographics, with value-added earnings of negative $1,853, they achieve these outcomes with extraordinarily low debt burdens.
The institution's return index ranks at the 10.4th percentile, reflecting modest return on investment when measured against educational costs, though this metric doesn't fully capture the value of debt-free degree completion. Compared to peer institutions, UC Cayey graduates earn $19,158 less annually but also borrow $16,105 less, creating a complex trade-off between current affordability and long-term earning potential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 ranks among the most favorable we track, indicating graduates achieve financial sustainability despite modest earnings levels. For students from low-income backgrounds prioritizing educational access and debt avoidance, UC Cayey delivers substantial value.
UC Cayey's financial aid strategy focuses heavily on need-based support, with average aid packages covering $6,598 of educational costs annually. The institution's 75.7% Pell share significantly exceeds national averages, reflecting both the economic demographics of Puerto Rico and UC Cayey's mission to serve lower-income students.
Financial aid targeting appears highly effective, with the largest aid awards directed toward students with family incomes below $48,000 annually. The substantial gap between sticker price and net price indicates robust institutional and federal aid coordination, allowing students to access higher education at costs manageable for working families.
Students from families earning under $30,000 receive aid covering nearly half of total educational costs, while those in higher income brackets receive more limited but still meaningful support. The aid structure supports UC Cayey's role as an access-focused institution, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent degree completion.
