University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce maintains a published cost of attendance of $14,399 per year, including $5,354 in tuition, room and board costs, and $4,168 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $7,455 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,944 annually.
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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) | $17,193 |
| Tuition and Fees | $5,354 |
| Books and Supplies | $4,168 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,203 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,990 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,114 |
| $30–48k | $10,534 |
| $48–75k | $13,017 |
| $75–110k | $13,600 |
| $110k+ | $12,404 |
University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce maintains a published cost of attendance of $14,399 per year, including $5,354 in tuition, room and board costs, and $4,168 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $7,455 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,944 annually. This places University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce's net costs at $6,638 below the peer median of $14,093, demonstrating exceptional affordability within public higher education.
The university's financial aid effectiveness reflects its commitment to serving low-income populations, with 81.1% of students receiving Pell grants. Net costs vary minimally across income brackets, ranging from $7,047 for families earning under $30,000 to $9,585 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive structure ensures affordability across economic backgrounds while maintaining accessibility for the lowest-income families who comprise the majority of the student body.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce graduates carry remarkably low debt burdens, with median debt reaching only $5,500 compared to the peer median of $21,105. This represents a $15,605 advantage over similar institutions, placing the university in the 91st percentile nationally for low debt levels.
Debt ranges from $3,500 at the 25th percentile to $7,100 at the 75th percentile, indicating that even students who borrow more than average maintain manageable debt loads. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 demonstrates highly sustainable borrowing levels, with annual loan payments representing a small fraction of graduate earnings.
This exceptional debt performance reflects the university's low net costs and strong financial aid effectiveness. The combination of accessible education costs and minimal borrowing requirements creates favorable conditions for graduates entering the workforce without overwhelming debt burdens.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce delivers strong value through its exceptional affordability profile, despite below-average absolute earnings levels. While graduates earn around the national average for earnings beyond expectations at $-1,299, this modest shortfall is more than offset by the university's debt advantages of $15,605 below peer institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates highly manageable loan payments relative to graduate income levels. When combined with net costs $6,638 below peer medians, University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce creates positive return on investment conditions for students seeking affordable higher education.
The university's value proposition centers on minimizing educational costs rather than maximizing earnings, making it particularly valuable for students prioritizing debt avoidance and accessibility. This investment profile supports long-term financial stability for graduates who can enter careers without substantial debt burdens, even if absolute earnings levels remain below national averages.
University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce demonstrates exceptional financial aid effectiveness, serving 81.1% Pell-eligible students compared to much lower national averages. The substantial gap between sticker price ($14,399) and average net price ($7,455) indicates comprehensive aid packaging that makes higher education accessible to low-income families.
Financial aid reduces costs by an average of $6,944 annually, with aid concentrated heavily toward lower-income students who benefit from federal Pell grants, state aid, and institutional support. The university's financial aid profile reflects its public mission and commitment to educational access in Puerto Rico.
Net prices remaining below $10,000 even for the highest income bracket demonstrate broad-based affordability that extends beyond just the lowest-income students. This aid effectiveness positions University Of Puerto Rico At Ponce as an exceptionally affordable option within the public higher education landscape, particularly valuable for the first-generation and low-income student populations it primarily serves.
