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Public, 4-year

University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

Carolina, Puerto Rico · www.uprc.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

54.5%

2025

Peer median 80.5%

Out-of-state tuition

$7,986

$19,599 with room and board

Peer median $17,955

Undergraduates

2,576

Student-faculty ratio 20:1

Peer median 14 : 1

Graduation rate

38.1%

4-year; 6-year rate 54.2%

Peer median 26.9%

“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The University of Puerto Rico-Carolina (UPR-Carolina) is a prominent institution of higher education located in the vibrant city of Carolina, Puerto Rico. As a part of the University of Puerto Rico system, UPR-Carolina is known for its commitment to academic excellence and cultural diversity. The university's mission is to provide quality education and foster research, contributing to the intellectual and cultural development of the region. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including well-maintained classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas that support both academic and extracurricular activities, creating a vibrant educational environment for students.

UPR-Carolina prides itself on its dedicated faculty, who are not only accomplished in their respective fields but also passionate about teaching and mentoring students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing research and community engagement. With a strong focus on providing a well-rounded education, UPR-Carolina encourages students to participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and community service. This holistic approach to education helps to cultivate a strong sense of community among students while preparing them for successful careers. The university's graduates are well-regarded in the job market, often finding employment in diverse fields, reflecting the institution's commitment to producing skilled and knowledgeable professionals.

Analysis of Key Data from University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The University of Puerto Rico-Carolina has exhibited notable trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates over the years. One of the most striking aspects is the significant increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2023, in-state tuition rose from $3,571 to $7,986, representing a staggering 123% increase. This escalated financial burden could potentially deter prospective students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, and raises concerns about accessibility to higher education in Puerto Rico.

Student enrollment has also demonstrated a downward trajectory, declining from 3,994 undergraduate students in 2014 to just 2,270 in 2023. This drop of approximately 43% could be attributed to rising tuition costs, economic challenges, and possibly the perceived value of the degree offered. Such a decline in enrollment may impact the university's funding and resources, leading to further consequences for the academic environment.

In terms of graduation rates, the on-time graduation rate fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 41.9% in 2020, but subsequently dropping to 35.5% in 2023. This variability indicates underlying issues that may influence students' ability to complete their degrees in a timely manner. Coupled with a retention rate that has shown a decline from 82.8% in 2013 to 72.2% in 2023, it reflects a troubling trend where students may struggle to persist in their studies, possibly due to financial constraints or dissatisfaction with their educational experience.

Moreover, the student-to-faculty ratio has slightly improved over the years, decreasing from 21:1 in 2013 to 16:1 in 2023. While a lower ratio generally indicates better access to faculty support for students, the overall context of dwindling enrollment and rising tuition suggests that the benefits of this improvement may not be fully realized as fewer students are taking advantage of available resources.

In conclusion, the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina faces critical challenges that need to be addressed, particularly in terms of financial accessibility, student retention, and overall enrollment levels. The trends observed in tuition, graduation, and retention rates necessitate strategic interventions to enhance the university's educational offerings and support systems, ensuring that it can continue to serve the needs of its students and the broader community effectively.

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
San Juan, about 9 mi
Nearest international airport
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), about 3 mi
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Also known as
UPRCA
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. José Meza-Pereira (Chancellor)
Phone
78725700003262
City
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Address
Carretera 887 Bo San Anton, Carolina, PR 00984-4800

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 80.5% · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
56.3%
Women
53.6%

In 2020: men 39.7%, women 38.1%.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Rates at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The admission data for the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina reveals significant trends in both male and female acceptance rates over the years. In 2009, the male acceptance rate was approximately 35.5%, while the female acceptance rate was around 32.9%. However, by 2023, these rates have dramatically improved to about 57.6% for males and 54.3% for females, indicating a positive shift toward inclusivity in admissions.
Interestingly, there was a noticeable spike in acceptance rates in 2012, with male and female rates exceeding 90%. This could suggest a strategic change in the university's admissions policy or a larger applicant pool that year, which may have led to more favorable outcomes. Conversely, the years 2016 and 2017 saw a decline in acceptance rates, dropping to around 28% for males, which reflects a more competitive environment and possibly highlights the university's efforts to elevate its academic standards.
The enrollment numbers show fluctuations, with a peak in 2010 at 1,143 students and a decline to 523 students by 2021. These figures may reflect broader demographic trends, economic factors, or shifts in interest in specific academic programs. The number of students denied admission has also varied, with a high of over 3,000 denials in 2016—signifying increased competition for limited spots.
Overall, while the university has experienced ups and downs in its admission statistics, the trend toward higher acceptance rates in recent years is promising and could indicate a commitment to fostering a more diverse student body. It will be interesting to see how these trends continue to evolve in the coming years amidst changing educational landscapes.

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 99% submitted SAT, 0% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total809–1057Peer median 1100
SAT Reading
411–538
600700800
SAT Math
398–519
600700800

Data insights

Trends in SAT Scores and Submission Rates at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The data from the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina over a 17-year period reveals notable trends in SAT scores and the number of students submitting their scores for admission. Throughout these years, it is evident that the number of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with a peak of 1,143 submissions in 2010 and a notable decline to 569 in 2020. This decline could reflect broader national trends where students increasingly opt for test-optional policies, a movement accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regarding SAT performance, the 25th and 75th percentile scores have shown a gradual decline over the years. For instance, the 25th percentile SAT reading scores dropped from 480 in 2007 to 424 in 2022, while the 75th percentile scores also reflected a similar downward trend. This suggests that the overall academic performance of admitted students may be decreasing, which could pose challenges for maintaining educational standards.

The situation is further complicated by the broader context of higher education, where institutions are grappling with issues related to equity and accessibility. As universities adopt more flexible admission policies, the reliance on standardized testing may diminish, but this could also lead to concerns regarding the preparedness of incoming students.

In conclusion, the data from the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina illustrates significant shifts in both the submission of SAT scores and the academic performance of admitted students. Understanding these trends is crucial for fostering an inclusive and academically rigorous environment in the years to come.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 5 in 10

1,764 applicants in 2025, 54.5% admitted

962 admitted 802 not admitted Yield 70.5%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate420 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's3050 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Forensic Psychology
86
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
62
Business Administration and Management, General
26
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management
26
Forensic Science and Technology
23
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production
21
Interior Design
17
Finance, General
17
Advertising
10
Tourism and Travel Services Management
7

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The graduation data from the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends across various fields of study. Notably, the Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology programs produced a substantial number of graduates, with 60 and 64 graduates respectively, indicating a strong interest and demand for careers in these areas, likely fueled by ongoing discussions around criminal justice reform and public safety.

In contrast, technical fields such as Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering Technology show a distinct pattern, with no bachelor's or master's graduates reported, though there were 5 graduates in the associate degree category for Instrumentation Technology. This highlights a potential gap in the pipeline of engineering talent, which is critical for the economy and technological advancements.

The lack of international students in the bachelor's and master's programs is an area of concern, as these programs could benefit from a diverse student body. Additionally, the overall low numbers of associate degree graduates across the board suggest that there may be barriers to entry for prospective students, possibly influenced by economic factors or a lack of awareness about these programs.

Interestingly, the hospitality sector, represented by Hotel/Motel Administration, attracted 47 graduates, indicating a recovery in tourism-related fields post-pandemic. This aligns with global trends where the hospitality industry is rebounding, suggesting potential job opportunities for graduates.

Overall, this data reflects both strengths and challenges within the educational landscape of the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to enhance program enrollment and support student success across all disciplines.

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

Psychology has 86 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Forensic Psychology.-
Homeland security has 85 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Forensic Science and Technology.-
Businesshas 81 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary.-
Finance, General.-
Tourism and Travel Services Management.$29,000
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.$29,000
Engineering technologieshas 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Instrumentation Technology/Technician.-
Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Communications technologies has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production.$11,885
Visual and Performing artshas 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Interior Design.-
Communication has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Advertising.-
Educationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education.-
Trade and Industrial Teacher Education.-

Students

2,576 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 71.5%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,576)

Hispanic
2,477 · 96.2%
Black
76 · 3.0%
White
2 · 0.1%
Two or more races
2 · 0.1%

Data insights

Student Demographics at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The data from the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina reveals significant insights into the composition of its student body for the year 2023. It is noteworthy that the majority of undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students are female, with female representation at 61.6%, 63.6%, and 65.2% respectively. This trend indicates a growing presence of women in higher education, which aligns with broader national trends where female enrollment has been steadily increasing in universities across the United States.

The overall enrollment numbers show that there are 701 freshmen, 1,361 sophomores, and 135 transfer students. With a total of 2,197 students in these categories, the substantial proportions of females may suggest that programs and initiatives aimed at supporting female students are becoming increasingly effective at this institution.

However, the representation of different ethnic groups among students remains unclear, as the details concerning specific racial demographics are sparse or incomplete. This lack of detailed data might hinder efforts to understand and address diversity and inclusion within the student body.

The small number of graduate students, represented by 73 individuals, raises questions about the university's capacity to attract and retain students in advanced studies. Graduate programs often play a crucial role in research and professional development, and enhancing these offerings could be beneficial for the institution’s academic reputation.

Overall, while the gender distribution highlights a positive trend towards female representation, a deeper investigation into the ethnic diversity and graduate enrollment is necessary to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the student demographics at the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The age composition data from the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina reveals interesting patterns regarding the demographics of the student body. A significant portion of students, approximately 61.2% of all students, belong to the 18-19 age category, indicating that the university predominantly attracts younger students who are likely fresh out of high school. This trend aligns with the broader educational landscape where many students pursue higher education immediately after secondary schooling.

In contrast, the representation of older students is minimal. For instance, only about 4% of the student population falls within the 25-29 age range, and even fewer are aged 30 and above, which suggests that the university has a low enrollment of non-traditional students. This could reflect the challenges older students face when returning to education, such as balancing work and family commitments.

Moreover, the gender distribution is noteworthy, with a higher number of female students than male students across almost all age categories. For instance, in the 18-19 age group, there are 752 female students compared to 419 male students, resulting in a female-to-male ratio of approximately 1.8:1. This trend of higher female enrollment is seen in many universities globally, reflecting a shift towards greater educational attainment among women.

Overall, the data suggests that University of Puerto Rico-Carolina caters primarily to younger students, while also highlighting the increasing participation of women in higher education, which is a positive development towards gender equity in academia.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

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 1.4%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The data from the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina for the year 2017 indicates a modest representation of international students within the undergraduate population. With a total of 3,920 undergraduate students, only 2 are identified as international, resulting in a mere 0.05% of the undergraduate body being composed of international students. This statistic highlights a significant opportunity for growth in attracting a more diverse student population.

Moreover, the absence of data on graduate students suggests a lack of international engagement at the graduate level, which is a crucial aspect for universities striving for global recognition and diversity. Many institutions worldwide are actively working to enhance their appeal to international students due to the benefits these students bring in terms of cultural exchange, innovation, and global perspectives.

In the current educational climate, there is a growing emphasis on international collaboration and inclusivity in academia. Universities that successfully recruit international students often report improved academic performance and a richer campus life. It would be beneficial for the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina to implement strategies aimed at increasing enrollment of international students, such as partnerships with overseas institutions, targeted scholarships, and enhanced support services for international students.

In summary, while the enrollment of international students at the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina is currently low, focusing on strategic initiatives could lead to a more diverse and globally engaged academic community in the future.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$19,599

Undergraduate tuition
$7,986
Room and board
$11,613
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 32% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 33%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$28.5M

Government grants and contracts
$25.0M87.6%
Tuition and fees
$2.6M9.0%
Sales and services of educational activities
$129K0.5%
Gifts and private grants
$71K0.2%
Hospitals
$48K0.2%
Investment return
$27K0.1%
Other
$698K2.4%

Expenses$22.2M

Instruction
$10.2M46.0%
Institutional support
$6.9M31.3%
Academic support
$5.5M25.0%
Scholarships
$3.0M13.7%
Student services
$2.6M11.8%
Public service
$888K4.0%
Research
$28K0.1%
Other
-$7.1M-32.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$68,537peers $72,709
Professor
$86,078peers $91,112
Associate professor
$74,458peers $77,091
Assistant professor
$64,654peers $65,783
Instructor
$42,695peers $53,527

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes Other
2025
Other MENWOMEN
Track and Field (Indoor)1516
Basketball1515
Soccer1317
Volleyball1115
Weight Lifting66
Beach Volleyball44
2024
OtherMENWOMEN
Basketball1515
Soccer1515
Volleyball1315
Track and Field (Outdoor)1312
Weight Lifting64
Beach Volleyball33
2023
OtherMENWOMEN
Soccer2222
Basketball1515
Volleyball1515
Track and Field (Outdoor)1210
Weight Lifting53
Beach Volleyball32

Nearby & Safety

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina:

  1. University of Miami - Ranked 67th in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Miami is a private research university located in Coral Gables, Florida. It is known for its strong programs in medicine, law, and business.

  2. Florida International University - With a rank of 124, Florida International University is a public research university located in Miami. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its commitment to research and community service.

  3. Nova Southeastern University - Ranked 227th, Nova Southeastern University is a private university that offers a variety of professional programs, including health sciences and law. It is well-regarded for its research initiatives and innovative academic offerings.

  4. University of Florida - This prestigious public university is ranked 28th and is located in Gainesville, Florida. It is known for its comprehensive academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  5. Florida State University - Ranked 53rd, Florida State University is located in Tallahassee and is recognized for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, and engineering.

These institutions provide a range of academic opportunities and are well-respected in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
2
Stalking
1

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at University of Puerto Rico-Carolina

The crime data from the University of Puerto Rico-Carolina reveals significant variations in criminal incidents over the past decade. In 2013, the campus faced a peak with a crime rate of 2.35 incidents per 1,000 students, which subsequently decreased dramatically in the following years. By 2014, the crime rate plummeted to just 0.25, indicating a notable improvement in campus safety.

From 2015 to 2018, the crime rates remained low, with most years reporting rates below 1.00 per 1,000 students. Intriguingly, 2021 and 2022 recorded no reported incidents, reflecting a period of exceptionally low crime, which may be attributed to improved security measures or changes in student behavior. However, in 2023, the crime rate rose again to 1.32, suggesting a resurgence of criminal activity after several years of relative calm.

The types of crimes reported, particularly those related to gun possession, drug offenses, and alcohol-related arrests, are critical indicators of campus safety. The fluctuation in crime statistics underlines the importance of continual monitoring and proactive measures to ensure student safety. Effective strategies could include community engagement programs, enhanced security protocols, and educational initiatives to address substance abuse issues.

Overall, while the data shows a promising trend of reduced crime rates, the recent uptick serves as a reminder that vigilance is necessary to maintain a safe campus environment. For a deeper understanding of crime rate calculations, visit the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.