Acceptance Rate
98%
Avg. SAT
1360
75th percentile
“Puerto Rico's pontifical Catholic university blending faith, rigorous academics, and Hispanic heritage in historic Ponce.”
Ponce, PR
Location
Established in 1948 by the Catholic Diocese of Ponce and the Augustinian Order, the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) in Ponce received its pontifical charter from Pope Pius XII in 1949, making it the only pontifical university in the Americas outside the mainland U.S. It has grown into Puerto Rico's second-largest private university, emphasizing holistic education rooted in Catholic values like service, ethics, and community engagement. The institution reflects Ponce's cultural richness, known as the 'Pearl of the South,' with a strong Hispanic identity and instruction primarily in Spanish.
Students who thrive here are often motivated by faith, family-oriented, and eager to contribute to Puerto Rican society. Those seeking a close-knit community with personal attention from faculty, alongside opportunities for spiritual growth and cultural immersion, find PUCPR a strong fit. Independent learners comfortable in a Spanish-dominant environment, with interests in professions serving local needs, tend to excel.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
PUCPR offers over 100 programs across associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with strengths in health sciences like nursing and pharmacy, business administration, education, and law. Its School of Law and School of Pharmacy are among the island's most respected, producing professionals for Puerto Rico's public and private sectors. Teaching emphasizes interactive seminars, clinical practice, and ethical training in smaller classes, fostering critical thinking within a Catholic framework.
Notable interdisciplinary programs include architecture, biotechnology, and communications, supported by research centers in tropical medicine and environmental studies tailored to Caribbean contexts.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
4,006 undergrad • 1,562 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
White
<1%
Black / African American
<1%
Hispanic / Latino
96%
Asian
<1%
Other / Multi-racial
3%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
Campus life pulses with Puerto Rican vibrancy, featuring student organizations, cultural festivals like Ponce's Carnaval ties, and frequent religious events such as masses and retreats. Athletics in the Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria (LAI) build school spirit through sports like basketball and volleyball, while residence halls and commuter culture create a familial atmosphere.
The social scene revolves around faith-based activities, music, dance, and community service, with traditions honoring patron saints and alumni networks. Diversity is predominantly Puerto Rican, offering a supportive environment for local students amid Ponce's historic architecture and beaches.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$8,585
$30K – $48K
$9,345
$48K – $75K
$11,918
$75K – $110K
$13,516
$110K+
$13,864
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
83%
4 Years Graduation Rate
29%
6 Years Graduation Rate
52%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$24,908
83% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce and return in the fall. 29% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 52% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
29%
4-5 years
23%
6-8 years
5%
Non-grad
43%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$5,160
Acceptance
98%
Undergrads
4,006
4-Year Grad Rate
29%
Endowment
$7M
Ponce, PR 00717-9997