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Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Arecibo, PR·Private nonprofit·273 students
Last updated: April 1, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. earnings-to-debt ratio is tight. 69% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

94%
Accept
273
Students
$11,117
Net Price
54%
Grad Rate
$21,400
Earnings
10 yr
$15,500
Debt

About This School

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is a private nonprofit institution located in Arecibo, PR with approximately 273 undergraduate students enrolled. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,117 per year. The graduation rate is 54%, and the typical graduate earns $21,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

This school is a strong fit for Catholic families in Puerto Rico seeking an affordable, faith-grounded education in a small, close-knit setting — with only 273 undergraduates, you'll never be lost in a crowd. The net price of just $11,117 per year and a median debt of $15,500 at graduation are genuinely low by any standard, which matters a lot when you look at the harder number: median earnings of $21,400 ten years out. That earnings figure is a real concern — it's below what most financial advisors would consider comfortable for managing even modest student debt, so students should think carefully about career pathways and whether a specific program here leads to higher-paying opportunities or graduate school. The 54% graduation rate is also worth a candid conversation — it means nearly half of students who start don't finish, so ask the school directly about academic support, advising, and what challenges students face. If you're committed to staying local, keeping costs low, and have a clear sense of purpose for your education, this can work — just go in with your eyes open and a plan.

Setting
Small suburb
Religious Affiliation
Roman Catholic
Avg Faculty Salary
$4,327

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences49%
Health Professions16%
Business & Marketing7%
Social Sciences7%
Psychology7%
Education5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,550
Out-of-State Tuition
$6,550
Avg Net Price
$11,117
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants69%
Median debt at graduation$15,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
54%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
87%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$21,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,500
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$20,100
Female graduates$15,900

Gap: 21% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$17,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$21,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.4x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

Hispanic/Latino100%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (273 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Carretera 662 KM 2.3

Arecibo, PR 00614-4045

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in PR

Browse all PR schools →

See How Colleges Compare

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo has an acceptance rate of 94%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo hard to get into?

Not especially. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo has an acceptance rate of 94%, so admissions are relatively accessible for applicants who meet the requirements.

How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo cost?

The average net price at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is about $11,117 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.

What is the graduation rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo has a graduation rate of 54%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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