University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
U.S. News Global 2027
#2021
Up 84 from 2026
Out-of-state tuition
$8,945
2025
Peer median $19,257
Undergraduates
233
Student-faculty ratio 2:1
Peer median 7 : 1
“Peers” are all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus (UPR-MSC) is a prestigious institution dedicated to health sciences education and research. Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, it stands as the only public university in the Caribbean specializing in medical, dental, nursing, and health-related programs. Established in 1966, UPR-MSC is renowned for its commitment to improving health care in Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean region. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, simulation centers, and a comprehensive library that supports the educational needs of its diverse student body. The university promotes a culture of innovation and leadership, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
The university's motto, "Evolución en la salud" (Evolution in Health), reflects its mission to advance medical education and research. UPR-MSC is home to a distinguished faculty comprised of experienced professionals and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields. This strong faculty-student interaction enhances the learning experience and ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry. The campus also emphasizes community engagement, encouraging students to participate in outreach programs that provide vital health services to underserved populations. With a focus on research and collaboration, UPR-MSC continues to make significant contributions to the health sciences, training the next generation of healthcare professionals committed to excellence and service.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
The University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences has experienced significant changes in tuition and student demographics over the years. Notably, the tuition costs have seen a dramatic increase, particularly in 2020, where the in-state undergraduate tuition surged to $9,517 from $4,806 in 2014, reflecting a staggering increase of nearly 98.5% within six years. This sharp rise may be attributed to various economic factors, including inflation and budget cuts in public education, which have forced institutions to increase tuition to maintain their operations.
Moreover, the student population has steadily declined, with undergraduate enrollment dropping from 489 in 2014 to just 264 in 2023. This represents a concerning reduction of over 46% in a decade. Such a decrease could indicate potential issues such as decreased attractiveness of the program, financial constraints faced by prospective students, or broader demographic trends in Puerto Rico.
In terms of gender distribution, there has been a noticeable shift in the undergraduate student body, with the percentage of male students decreasing from around 21% in 2014 to approximately 15% in 2023. Conversely, the female student population has increased, now comprising nearly 85% of the undergraduate cohort. This trend may reflect broader societal changes and shifting attitudes towards higher education among different genders.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable at 2:1 since 2017. While a lower ratio is generally favorable as it can lead to more personalized attention for students, the stability in this ratio amidst declining enrollment raises concerns about potential resource allocation and faculty retention in the future.
Overall, the data highlights critical challenges and shifts within the university that warrant careful consideration by stakeholders aiming to enhance the educational environment and accessibility for students.
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- San Juan, about 5 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), about 6 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Myrna Quiñones Feliciano (Chancellor)
- Phone
- 78775825251708
- City
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Address
- Rio Piedras Medical Center, Americo Miranda Avenue, San Juan, PR 00936-5067
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
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty4 programs—
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)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Medicine · Doctoral107 (0% international)
- Dentistry · Doctoral64 (0% international)
- Pharmacy · Doctoral43 (0% international)
- Public Health, General · Master's29 (0% international)
- Nursing Science · Master's23 (0% international)
- Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral20 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Degrees from University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
The University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences has showcased a diverse range of graduate programs, particularly in the medical and health fields. Notably, the highest number of doctorate degrees awarded is in Medicine, with 101 graduates, indicating a strong emphasis on advanced medical training. This aligns with the growing demand for highly specialized healthcare professionals, especially as the global healthcare landscape evolves.
In the nursing discipline, although a substantial figure of 77 bachelor's degrees was awarded, there were no master's or doctorate degrees conferred. This suggests a potential gap in the progression from undergraduate to advanced levels in nursing education, which could be a point of concern given the increasing complexity of healthcare needs.
Interestingly, the data reveals that there are no international students graduating with bachelor's or master's degrees in most programs, reflecting a possible area for enhancement in attracting global talent to Puerto Rico's medical education system. Furthermore, the presence of only a few graduates in fields such as Public Health and Occupational Therapy signifies a need for increased focus on public health initiatives, particularly in light of recent global health crises.
The statistics also show that while there are some associate degrees awarded in non-medical fields, the primary focus remains on medical and health-related disciplines. This trend reinforces the idea that the institution is prioritizing its resources towards areas that are critical to the community's health and wellbeing. Overall, while the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences is evidently a leader in medical education, there are opportunities for growth in diversifying its academic offerings and enhancing international student participation.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry. | - | ||||
| Anatomy. | - | ||||
| Microbiology, General. | - | ||||
| Physiology, General. | - | ||||
| Pharmacology. | - | ||||
| Biostatistics. | - | ||||
| Epidemiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerontology. | - | ||||
| Nutrition Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demography and Population Studies. | - |
Students
1,944 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 16:84
- Continuing undergraduates 126
- Graduate students 1,711
- Transfers and others 107
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (233)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences in 2023
The student demographics at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences for the year 2023 present a diverse composition, particularly notable in gender representation across different student categories. The data reveals that undergraduate seniors constitute a significant portion of the student body, with 167 individuals, where a striking 86.8% are female and only 13.2% are male. This gender disparity highlights a trend in higher education, particularly in healthcare-related fields, where females often outnumber males.
Furthermore, undergraduate transfer students, numbering 97, also reflect a similar gender imbalance, with 81.4% females and 18.6% males. These statistics may point to broader societal trends where women are increasingly pursuing higher education in healthcare, possibly driven by a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in these professions.
On the graduate level, the student population is considerably larger, with 1,770 students enrolled. Here, the gender distribution is more balanced, with males making up 34.4% and females 65.6%. This still indicates a significant female majority, but the ratio is less extreme compared to the undergraduate categories.
Additionally, the breakdown of ethnicities within the student body, while not fully detailed, suggests a diverse composition that is essential for fostering an inclusive environment in medical sciences. As institutions strive to reflect the diversity of their communities, these trends in gender and ethnicity are crucial for shaping future healthcare professionals who are representative of the populations they will serve.
Overall, the data from the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences illustrates important trends in gender representation and the need for continued support of diversity in medical education.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
The age distribution of students at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences reveals some interesting trends, particularly in the context of higher education. The data shows that the majority of undergraduate students are concentrated in the 20-21 age range, accounting for about 44% of undergraduates. This aligns with the common trend of students entering university immediately after high school.
In contrast, the graduate student population skews significantly older, with the 22-24 age group representing 64% of graduate males and 45% of graduate females. This suggests that many students pursue their graduate studies a few years after completing their undergraduate degrees, which is a typical pattern in professional fields like medicine.
Moreover, the data indicates a gender disparity: while there are significantly more females than males in both undergraduate (approximately 78% female) and graduate programs (approximately 63% female), the number of male graduate students is notably higher in the 25-29 age group, which might reflect a trend of males taking longer to commit to further education.
As life expectancy extends and career paths evolve, it’s also worth noting the presence of older students, particularly those in the 30-34 age bracket, who comprise about 10% of the total student body. This could reflect the increasing trend of lifelong learning and career shifts, particularly in fields like healthcare where continuous education is essential.
Overall, the age composition at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences highlights both traditional and evolving patterns in education, emphasizing the university's role in accommodating diverse student backgrounds and timelines for academic progression.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Enrollment Trends at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
The data from the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences over the years 2004 to 2007 reveals significant insights into the international student enrollment trends in both undergraduate and graduate programs. In the undergraduate category, the total number of students decreased from 513 in 2004 to 432 in 2007. Despite this decline, the number of international students fluctuated, with a notable peak of 3 international students in 2005, resulting in an increase in the percentage of international students from 0.19% to 0.63% during that period. This suggests that even a small number of international students can create a noticeable impact on the overall statistics.
On the graduate side, the total enrollment consistently remained above 1,000 students, yet the international student population showed variability as well. The proportion of international students in graduate programs hovered around 2.29% to 2.57%, indicating a more stable, albeit modest, representation of international scholars. This is reflective of broader trends in higher education where graduate programs tend to attract a higher percentage of international students compared to undergraduate programs.
These statistics can be contextualized within the increasing globalization of education, where institutions worldwide are striving to enhance their diversity by attracting students from different countries. However, the relative small numbers in both categories highlight potential challenges the University may face in becoming a more appealing destination for international students, especially in light of competition from other institutions that may offer more comprehensive support or programs tailored to international audiences. As the educational landscape evolves, it will be crucial for the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences to explore strategies to enhance its appeal to international students, ensuring a more diverse educational environment.
Cost
2025 tuition
$8,945
- Undergraduate tuition
- $8,945
- Graduate tuition
- $14,153
Tuition rose 24% from 2016 to 2025.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$318M
Expenses$253M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S.
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 universities near the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences:
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University of Miami - Ranked 67th in the 2024 US News, the University of Miami is a private research university located in Coral Gables, Florida. It is known for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs.
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Florida International University - With a ranking of 124, Florida International University is a public research university situated in Miami, Florida. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a diverse student body.
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University of Florida - Ranked 28th, the University of Florida is a leading public research university in Gainesville, Florida. It is known for its strong research initiatives and comprehensive academic offerings.
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University of North Carolina Wilmington - Holding the 201st rank, this public university is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is recognized for its focus on undergraduate education and a strong commitment to student success.
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Florida State University - Ranked 53rd, Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, is a major public research university known for its programs in the arts and sciences.
These institutions provide a variety of academic opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 1.3 · all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
The crime data from the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences reveals notable fluctuations in incidents over the years from 2013 to 2023. The average crime rate per 1,000 students demonstrates a peak in 2016, with a rate of 4.76, indicating significant concerns about safety during that period. However, the subsequent years show a steady decline, reaching a low of 0.00 in 2017, which could suggest improved safety measures or a reduction in incidents.
The data highlights the types of arrests made, with firearm-related arrests being prominent in several years, indicating a potential issue with gun-related incidents on campus. Furthermore, drug and alcohol-related arrests also appear, suggesting that substance abuse might be a concern within the student population.
The trend toward lower crime rates in more recent years may reflect the university's efforts to enhance campus safety and student support services. However, the data for the years 2021 to 2023 shows a slight increase in incidents, which may warrant further investigation into the factors contributing to this rise.
Overall, while the university has made strides in reducing crime rates, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Continuous assessment and engagement with the campus community can help address any emerging issues effectively. For further insights into crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
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.