University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez combines exceptional affordability with strong value creation, generating $13,777 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining median debt of just $8,250. The institution serves 64.6% Pell-eligible students with outcomes that support economic mobility.
With above average designation, reflecting solid long-term value despite modest absolute earnings levels
With top-tier performance, driven by low debt levels and controlled net prices
With exceptional tier designation, reflecting the university's role in serving diverse student populations including 64.6% Pell-eligible students
With well above average outcomes, indicating strong economic advancement for graduates
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop 10% nationally for access and affordability
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez ranks #102 nationally, placing at the 93.8th percentile with top-tier performance. Located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, this medium-sized public institution combines moderately selective admission (52.2% acceptance rate) with exceptional outcomes in affordability and access.
The university demonstrates exceptional access performance at the 98.9th percentile, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse student populations including 64.6% Pell-eligible and 17.0% first-generation students. Graduates achieve earnings beyond expectations of $13,777, ranking at the 89.9th percentile nationally and demonstrating strong value creation.
With median earnings of $48,992 ten years after enrollment, the institution performs modestly below average on absolute earnings but excels in generating outcomes relative to student backgrounds and regional context. The university's balanced performance across access, affordability, and value-added outcomes positions it as a strong choice for students seeking quality education with controlled costs.
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez delivers strong value through exceptional affordability and significant earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $13,777 more than predicted based on student demographics, placing the institution at the 89.9th percentile nationally for value creation.
This earnings uplift demonstrates the university's effectiveness in enhancing student outcomes regardless of background. Median student debt remains exceptionally low at $8,250, ranking at the 91st percentile nationally and significantly below the peer median of $21,105.
Students seeking strong engineering and technical programs at an affordable public institution. Well-suited for first-generation students (17.0%) and Pell-eligible students (64.6%) who prioritize low debt and value-added outcomes.
Particularly strong for students interested in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering with manageable financial investment.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-puerto-rico-mayaguez/analysis.
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez admits 52.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This moderately selective admission rate contrasts sharply with the peer median of 84.6%, indicating University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez maintains significantly more competitive admission standards than typical public institutions.
The 32.4 percentage point difference below peer median reflects the university's position as a more selective option within the public higher education landscape. This level of selectivity suggests applicants should demonstrate solid academic preparation and treat the institution as a match rather than a safety school.
Students should expect meaningful competition for admission slots, particularly in high-demand engineering programs. The selectivity also indicates that admitted students represent a academically stronger pool than at typical public universities.
For prospective applicants, this admission rate requires building a balanced college list that includes institutions with higher acceptance rates as backup options. The university's selectivity relative to regional peers suggests students gain access to a more academically focused environment with correspondingly stronger post-graduation outcomes, particularly evident in the institution's engineering programs.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez maintains a published cost of attendance of $19,190 per year, including $5,274 in tuition (same for in-state and out-of-state students), room and board costs, and $4,168 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,684 after financial aid, representing $6,506 in financial aid savings annually.
This net price of $12,684 compares favorably to the peer median of $14,093, providing families with costs $1,409 below similar institutions. The university's affordability profile reflects its public mission and commitment to accessible higher education.
The relatively low sticker price combined with need-based aid creates manageable costs for most families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. Financial aid targeting results in net prices that vary significantly by family income, with the lowest-income students paying just $10,257 annually.
The cost structure supports the university's role in serving 64.6% Pell-eligible students while maintaining quality academic programs. Students and families should understand that these costs represent comprehensive educational expenses including housing, meals, and educational materials, creating a complete picture of annual college investment.
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez graduates demonstrate substantial earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $32,706 at six years to $39,204 at eight years and $48,992 at ten years after enrollment, representing 49.8% growth from the early to mid-career period. These outcomes reflect data from 6,603 graduates in the ten-year cohort, providing high confidence in reported figures.
The earnings trajectory shows consistent upward momentum, with graduates gaining nearly $16,300 in median earnings between years six and ten. Earnings span from $26,813 at the 25th percentile to $81,247 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 3.0:1 ratio that indicates meaningful variation across programs and career paths.
Engineering graduates drive much of the upper earnings distribution, with Computer Engineering ($83,890), Electrical Engineering ($81,619), and Mechanical Engineering ($77,282) leading institutional outcomes. The institution generates $13,777 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 89.9th percentile nationally and demonstrating significant value creation relative to student backgrounds.
Approximately 24.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Computer Engineering, General.
49 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
84 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
138 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
77 graduates
Computer Science.
19 graduates
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome tracking. Mechanical Engineering ranks #166 nationally and #1 in Puerto Rico, graduating 138 students with median earnings of $77,282 and strong enrollment reflecting student demand.
Computer Engineering ranks #95 nationally and #1 in Puerto Rico, producing 49 graduates earning $83,890 annually. Electrical and Electronics Engineering ranks #106 nationally and #1 in Puerto Rico, graduating 84 students with earnings of $81,619.
Industrial Engineering ranks #51 nationally and #1 in Puerto Rico, with 67 graduates earning $63,283. Biology represents the institution's largest program by enrollment, graduating 179 students with median earnings of $29,804, ranking #3 in Puerto Rico.
Analytical Chemistry demonstrates exceptional value performance with a score of 78.1, ranking #35 nationally and #1 in Puerto Rico despite graduating a smaller cohort of 54 students with earnings of $49,485. These programs reflect the university's strength in STEM fields while serving substantial student populations.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tennessee Technological University Higher acceptance rate (31 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | TN | 83% | $48,501 | Compare |
Texas A & M University-Kingsville Higher acceptance rate (40.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | TX | 92% | $51,450 | Compare |
Albizu University-San Juan Same state (70 miles away) (earnings difference: 15.2%) | PR | 100% | $41,544 | Compare |
Universidad Del Sagrado Corazon Similar admission rate (1.2 percentage points difference); located 73 miles away | PR | 53% | $31,754 | Compare |
University Of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Similar admission rate (1 percentage points difference); located 73 miles away | PR | 53% | $35,723 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University At Albany Similar quality tier (#105 ranked) | NY | 70% | $67,979 | #105 | Compare |
University Of California-Merced Similar quality tier (#100 ranked) | CA | 39% | $64,368 | #100 | Compare |
University Of Nevada-Las Vegas Similar quality tier (#99 ranked) | NV | 96% | $55,037 | #99 | Compare |
University Of Utah Similar quality tier (#107 ranked) | UT | 87% | $67,170 | #107 | Compare |
California State University-Chico Similar quality tier (#108 ranked) | CA | 94% | $64,172 | #108 | Compare |