Private Colleges in Puerto Rico: A Complete List
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Puerto Rico boasts the highest concentration of colleges and universities in the Caribbean, including standout private institutions that offer their own unique and vibrant learning experiences.
Whether you're a Puerto Rican resident or a student interested in an academic experience outside the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico likely has a school for you.
We've compiled a complete list of private colleges in Puerto Rico and their respective enrollment data. Read on to discover the rich diversity of Puerto Rican private colleges, each with its distinct programs, faculty, and campus culture.
5 Popular Private Colleges in Puerto Rico
While Puerto Rico isn't very big, the U.S. territory is home to multiple standout private colleges. Here are five popular private colleges in Puerto Rico to know more about. We chose these based on a variety of factors, including reputation, academic rigor, and number of applicants.
The following data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
1. Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Gurabo Campus
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $6,577
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Total Student Enrollment: 11,100
Established in 1941, the Ana G. Méndez University, Gurabo Campus (UAGM), serves more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers. This private Puerto Rican university is home to state-of-the-art facilities and has branch campuses in Florida and Texas.
UAGM houses multiple academic schools that cover a broad array of topics, including tourism, veterinary medicine, health sciences, and liberal arts. Some of the school's most notable majors include business administration bachelor's, nursing, and engineering.
2. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $10,283
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Total Student Enrollment: 6,175
The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, stands out as one of the most affordable private colleges on the island. The institution has a rich Catholic heritage and offers a diverse number of programs with a strong emphasis on ethical values.
Here, you can access medical, law, and architecture schools and choose from among 70 bachelor's degrees. The school holds accreditation from the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metro
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $9,551
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Total Student Enrollment: 5,774
The Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metro, offers an array of academic programs in a modern urban setting. Established in 1912, this private Christian university is based in the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan and is home to popular programs in nursing, criminal justice, and biology.
In addition to holding institutional accreditation from MSCHE, the school offers accredited programs in nursing, educator preparation, law, and social work.
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4. Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $16,043
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Total Student Enrollment: 4,252
Like other polytechnic schools, the Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico (PUPR) specializes in fields such as engineering and applied sciences. This relatively affordable private school is home to programs in electrical, civil, and industrial engineering, as well as to programs in architecture and computer science.
In addition to standout academics, PUPR's strong industry connections and partnerships facilitate internships and job placement, working to ensure you have a seamless transition into the workforce. PUPR serves over 3,000 undergrads annually and is accredited by MSCHE.
5. Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $13,526
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Total Student Enrollment: 4,110
Established in 1935, the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) is a private Catholic institution that serves about 4,000 students annually, with a focus on innovation, creativity, and social justice. USC offers 37 bachelor's degrees, and popular majors include nursing, communication, public relations, and journalism.
The university is home to cutting-edge facilities, including multimedia studios and creative labs. USC's commitment to holistic education ensures you are well prepared for success in your chosen field.
List of All Private Colleges in Puerto Rico
Below is a list of all private colleges in Puerto Rico, along with each school's total enrollment, average annual net price, acceptance rate, and number of applicants. All data comes from NCES. Please note that universities with less than 500 students enrolled were not included.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albizu University, San Juan | 2,380 | $10,499 | 100% | 205 |
| Atlantic University College | 1,591 | $6,133 | 100% | N/A |
| Caribbean University, Bayamón | 849 | $6,049 | 100% | N/A |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla | 3,275 | $8,426 | 46% | 1,690 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo | 3,069 | $8,794 | 33% | 1,642 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Barranquitas | 1,216 | $7,696 | 68% | 692 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón | 3,892 | $9,205 | 34% | 2,671 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Fajardo | 1,424 | $8,929 | 45% | 739 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Guayama | 1,632 | $8,860 | 47% | 675 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metro | 5,774 | $9,551 | 47% | 2,715 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce | 3,448 | $8,637 | 53% | 1,200 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San German | 3,299 | $8,991 | 40% | 1,713 |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez | 785 | $8,521 | 100% | 433 |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce | 6,175 | $10,283 | 95% | 2,622 |
| Universidad Adventista de las Antillas | 932 | $6,851 | 83% | 195 |
| Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Carolina Campus | 6,604 | $6,942 | 100% | N/A |
| Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Cupey Campus | 7,721 | $7,193 | 100% | N/A |
| Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Gurabo Campus | 11,100 | $6,577 | 100% | N/A |
| Universidad Central de Bayamón | 953 | $4,297 | 80% | 112 |
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazón | 4,110 | $13,526 | 55% | 3,413 |
| Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico | 4,252 | $16,043 | 100% | N/A |
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What Is the Cost of Private College in Puerto Rico?
Determining how much college costs is often a vital factor when finding the right school. While the cost of college in Puerto Rico varies depending on the institution, schools here tend to charge less tuition than schools in the rest of the U.S.
In Puerto Rico, the average net price of private four-year colleges was about $8,300 in 2022-2023. Private schools in the U.S. have an average annual tuition of over $37,000.
The following table shows the cost of public and private colleges in Puerto Rico.
| Institution Type | Avg. Annual Net Price |
|---|---|
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $8,347 |
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $8,005 |
Scholarships for Students in Puerto Rico
Because Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens from birth, they have the same privileges and rights as other U.S. citizens, including eligibility for the FAFSA. The FAFSA is your ticket to federal loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Here are a few scholarships for Puerto Rico students you can apply for today.
House of Puerto Rico San Diego Scholarship Program
This annual scholarship awards $2,500 to qualified candidates. You must submit an application with a short personal essay that outlines your academic and professional goals, your financial need, and your plans for future community service.
National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade offers a generous $2,000 scholarship to 100 qualified students annually. You can apply online and must include a personal essay, a short biography, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. You must be of Puerto Rican descent to qualify.
Scholarship Fund for UPR Students
Open to both current and future University of Puerto Rico students, the Association of University of Puerto Rico Alumni and Friends Abroad offers multiple scholarships. Among these awards is funding for women in STEM and students studying fields like sustainability and information technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Colleges in Puerto Rico
How many private colleges are in Puerto Rico?
There are just over 20 four-year nonprofit private colleges and universities in Puerto Rico. Among these are academic institutions that boast relatively inexpensive tuition rates. Because of this broad list of schools, you have a wide array of colleges to choose from that align with your academic and career goals.
What is the largest private college in Puerto Rico?
The Ana G. Méndez University, Gurabo Campus (AGMU), is the largest private institution in Puerto Rico, with more than 11,000 students. In addition to this school's multiple Puerto Rico campuses, AGMU has satellite campuses in Florida and Texas.
What is the hardest private college to get into in Puerto Rico?
The Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metro, is the most competitive private college in Puerto Rico, with a 33% acceptance rate.
Because of its selectivity, you should plan to apply to a safety school to ensure you have options. There are also several things you can do before you apply to help raise your college admission chances.
