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Private for-profit, 4-year

Ponce Health Sciences University

Ponce, Puerto Rico · www.phsu.edu

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About

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU), located in Ponce, Puerto Rico, is a distinguished institution dedicated to health sciences education. Established in 1977, the university has built a reputation for its commitment to excellence in medical training and research. One of its notable characteristics is its focus on providing a comprehensive education in various health-related fields, including medicine, public health, and psychology. The university's mission emphasizes the importance of developing competent healthcare professionals who are well-prepared to address the diverse health needs of the community. PHSU is particularly known for its innovative programs and its integration of cutting-edge technology in the curriculum, which enhances the learning experience for students.

The campus environment at Ponce Health Sciences University is vibrant and culturally rich, reflecting the unique heritage of Puerto Rico. The university fosters a supportive and inclusive community, where students are encouraged to engage in collaborative learning and extracurricular activities. PHSU offers various resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories and simulation centers, which are essential for hands-on training. Additionally, the university's faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers who are dedicated to mentoring students and promoting their academic and personal growth. Graduates of PHSU have gone on to achieve success in various healthcare sectors, contributing to the improvement of health services in Puerto Rico and beyond. The university's commitment to community service and social responsibility further enriches the student experience and strengthens its connection to the local population.

Analysis of Key Trends at Ponce Health Sciences University

Ponce Health Sciences University, a private institution, has shown significant changes in tuition fees, student enrollment, gender ratios in graduate programs, and retention rates over the years. One of the most striking trends is the dramatic increase in graduate tuition fees. From 2014 to 2023, the tuition for in-state graduate students soared from around $10,130 to an astonishing $26,428, representing a staggering increase of over 160%. This escalation raises concerns regarding the affordability of higher education, especially for students seeking advanced degrees.

In terms of student enrollment, the growth in graduate students is noteworthy, increasing from 664 in 2013 to 820 by 2023. Although there was a dip in 2020, likely attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall upward trend suggests that the university is attracting more students to its graduate programs. On the other hand, undergraduate enrollment remains minimal, indicating a potential area for growth.

The gender ratio among graduate students has also evolved, with the percentage of male students fluctuating slightly over the years. In 2023, males comprised approximately 37.2% of the graduate population, while females made up 62.8%. This trend toward a higher female representation in graduate studies reflects broader societal changes towards gender equity in education and professional fields.

Lastly, the retention rate for undergraduate students, reported at 87.5% in 2019, indicates a positive commitment to student success, although the absence of data for other years limits a comprehensive analysis. High retention rates are generally associated with supportive academic environments and resources, which is crucial for a university's reputation and viability.

Overall, while Ponce Health Sciences University faces challenges related to rising tuition costs, its ability to attract graduate students and maintain a supportive learning environment reflects positively on its strategic initiatives.

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
San Juan, about 45 mi
Nearest international airport
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), about 50 mi
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Gino Natalicchio (President)
Phone
575575257502575
City
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Address
388 Calle Luis F. Sala, Ponce, PR 00716-2347

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's1270 international (0.0%)
Doctoral1350 international (0.0%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Medicine · Doctoral120 (0% international)
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other · Master's94 (0% international)
  • Public Health, General · Master's33 (0% international)
  • Public Health, General · Doctoral12 (0% international)
  • Biomedical Sciences, General · Doctoral3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Numbers at Ponce Health Sciences University

The data from Ponce Health Sciences University reveals significant trends in the graduation numbers across various health and biomedical programs. Notably, the Doctorate in Medicine stands out with an impressive total of 99 graduates, indicating a strong focus on advanced medical training within the institution. This emphasis on doctoral education aligns with the growing demand for highly qualified healthcare professionals, especially in a post-pandemic world where specialized medical expertise is crucial.

On the other hand, the data reflects a complete absence of bachelor’s and master’s degrees awarded in all categories, which raises questions about the university's academic structure and student demographics. The lack of undergraduate and master's graduates could suggest a strategic focus on doctoral programs, potentially positioning the university as a premier institution for advanced medical studies.

Additionally, the absence of international students graduating in any program category further highlights a potential area for growth. With the global trend of increasing international student mobility, Ponce Health Sciences University could benefit from attracting a diverse student body to enhance its academic environment and global reputation.

Overall, while the university appears to excel in doctoral education, it may need to reassess its undergraduate and master’s programs to ensure a balanced and comprehensive educational offering that meets the needs of a broader range of students and the evolving healthcare landscape.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 165 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Medicine.-
Public Health, General.$32,389
Biologyhas 97 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Biomedical Sciences, General.-
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.-

Students

970 students in 2025

Age distribution

Graduate students

Under 22
0.1%
22–24
17.2%
25–29
64.4%
30–34
11.8%
35 and over
6.5%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Ponce Health Sciences University in 2023

In 2023, Ponce Health Sciences University reported a total of 820 graduate students, showcasing a significant gender disparity within this demographic. The male student population comprises approximately 37.2%, while females represent a notable 62.8%. This imbalance is indicative of a broader trend in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males, particularly in health sciences and related fields.

The breakdown of student ethnicity reveals the complexities of diversity within the graduate program. While the data provided does not specify the exact numbers for each ethnic group, it is essential to recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students, regardless of their background. The representation of various ethnicities, including White, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students, enriches the academic experience and prepares graduates for a diverse workforce.

Furthermore, the increasing number of female students in graduate programs aligns with national trends, reflecting women's growing participation in higher education. This shift could be attributed to various factors, including changing societal norms, increased access to educational resources, and the pursuit of careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare.

Overall, Ponce Health Sciences University’s student composition in 2023 highlights both the opportunities and challenges in achieving gender and ethnic balance within graduate-level education. As institutions strive for diversity, it is crucial to continue developing programs and support systems that empower all students, ensuring equitable representation and success in their academic endeavors.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Ponce Health Sciences University

The age composition of students at Ponce Health Sciences University reveals significant trends in the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 22-24 and 25-29 age brackets. This could be indicative of the typical pathway for many students pursuing higher education, where individuals often complete their undergraduate degrees in their early twenties and then transition into graduate programs shortly thereafter.

In the 22-24 age group, graduate females outnumber their male counterparts, with 109 females compared to 60 males. This trend continues in the 25-29 age bracket, where there are 274 female graduate students and 205 male graduate students. Such data may reflect the increasing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees, a shift noted in many educational institutions across the globe.

As the age increases, the number of students significantly decreases, particularly for those in the 30-34, 35-39, and 40-49 age groups. This decline suggests that older individuals may face different challenges in returning to education, such as balancing family and career responsibilities. The figures show only a small representation of students aged 50 and above, indicating that advanced education is less common among this demographic.

Overall, the data highlights a youthful student population primarily engaged in advanced studies, particularly among females. As educational institutions continue to adapt to societal changes, understanding these demographics can help in tailoring programs and support services that meet the needs of a diverse student body. The trends at Ponce Health Sciences University may mirror broader shifts in higher education, where age diversity is increasingly recognized as a valuable asset.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2019 · 0.0% in 2018

0% 5% 10% 2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%
20182019
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Ponce Health Sciences University

The data on international student enrollment at Ponce Health Sciences University reveals significant insights into the demographics of its graduate programs over recent years. Despite the lack of undergraduate data, the graduate figures showcase a consistent but low presence of international students.

From 2006 to 2017, the total number of graduate students increased from 214 to 897; however, the number of international students remained constant at just one each year. Consequently, the percentage of international students within the graduate population has decreased from 0.47% in 2006 to just 0.11% in 2017. This downward trend in the proportion of international students may raise concerns regarding the university's appeal to a global audience, especially in a time when many institutions are striving to enhance their international presence.

The consistent enrollment of one international student annually could suggest various underlying factors. It may reflect challenges in attracting foreign students, perhaps due to competitive global educational markets or limited program offerings for international scholars. Alternatively, it may indicate that the university primarily serves a local or regional student population.

These statistics highlight the need for Ponce Health Sciences University to assess its recruitment strategies and international outreach efforts. In an increasingly globalized educational landscape, fostering a diverse student body is essential not only for the university's growth but also for enriching the academic environment. Enhanced initiatives aimed at international partnerships and scholarship opportunities could be beneficial in reversing the current trend and attracting more international students in future years.

Cost

Tuition and room and board over time

Tuition rose 142% from 2018 to 2020.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$53.4M

Tuition and fees
$45.1M84.4%
Government grants and contracts
$99K0.2%
Other
$8.2M15.4%

Expenses$55.1M

Institutional support
$30.2M54.9%
Instruction
$15.1M27.5%
Academic support
$3.2M5.9%
Student services
$2.2M3.9%
Other
$4.3M7.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

All faculty
$57,282peers $96,564
Professor
$72,437peers $117,309
Associate professor
$69,256peers $100,941
Assistant professor
$48,909peers $90,201
Instructor
$40,763peers $59,817

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near Ponce Health Sciences University:

  1. University of Miami - Ranked 67th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Florida International University - With a rank of 124, this comprehensive university emphasizes diversity and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  3. University of Florida - A prestigious institution ranked 28th overall, it is known for its excellence in education, research, and community engagement.

  4. Florida State University - Ranked 53rd, this comprehensive university offers a variety of programs and is known for its strong emphasis on the arts and sciences.

  5. University of South Florida - With a ranking of 89, this university is recognized for its innovative research and commitment to student success.

  6. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale - Ranked 249th, this institution focuses on career-oriented education and practical training.

These schools are excellent choices for students seeking quality education in the surrounding area of Ponce Health Sciences University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 1.3 · all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Ponce Health Sciences University

The crime data for Ponce Health Sciences University presents an intriguing picture of campus safety over the years. In 2013, the university recorded a crime rate of 1.51 incidents per 1,000 students, primarily attributed to a gun-related arrest. This trend continued into 2014, with a slight decrease to 1.49. However, 2015 saw a significant drop to zero reported crimes, suggesting improvements in campus safety measures or a reduction in criminal activity.

The data reveals a concerning spike in 2016, where there were seven incidents, equating to an alarming rate of 8.65 per 1,000 students. This surge warrants further investigation, as it could indicate a temporary environment of heightened risk or a failure in prevention strategies. Following this peak, the years from 2017 to 2022 showcase a remarkable decline, with zero recorded incidents, highlighting effective safety protocols and community vigilance.

Interestingly, 2023 marks a return to a single incident, resulting in a rate of 1.22. This fluctuation emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to maintain campus safety. The absence of incidents in several years could reflect positively on the university's initiatives, but it also underscores the potential for sudden increases in crime if vigilance wanes.

Overall, while the data shows a trend toward improved safety, it serves as a reminder that universities must remain proactive in their crime prevention strategies. For more details on crime rate calculations, refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.