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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Caribbean University-Ponce

Ponce, Puerto Rico · www.caribbean.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$8,844

$17,094 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

432

Student-faculty ratio 10:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

25.0%

4-year; 6-year rate 35.7%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Caribbean University-Ponce, located in the vibrant city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, is a distinguished institution recognized for its commitment to excellence in higher education. Established in 1970, the university has cultivated a rich academic environment that emphasizes innovation, creativity, and social responsibility. The institution's mission is to provide quality education that prepares students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. With a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, Caribbean University-Ponce specializes in fields such as health sciences, business administration, and education, ensuring that students gain relevant skills and knowledge essential for their future careers.

The university prides itself on its modern facilities and experienced faculty. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and technology centers, enhancing the learning experience for students. Faculty members are highly qualified and dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging academic atmosphere, often collaborating with students on research projects and community service initiatives. The vibrant campus culture encourages student involvement in various extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations, which promote personal growth and leadership development. Additionally, Caribbean University-Ponce has established strong ties with local industries, facilitating internship opportunities and enhancing graduate employability in the region. As a result, the university not only contributes significantly to the local community but also prepares its students for successful careers in their respective fields.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Caribbean University-Ponce

The data from Caribbean University-Ponce reveals several significant trends over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.

Firstly, there has been a consistent increase in tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate programs, with undergraduate tuition rising from $4,850 in 2014 to $5,668 in 2023. This represents an increase of approximately 17% over the nine-year span. Such tuition hikes can often deter prospective students, especially in a climate where student debt is a growing concern across the nation.

Student enrollment has shown a troubling decline, dropping from 1,222 undergraduate students in 2013 to just 405 in 2023. This represents a staggering decrease of roughly 67%. Such a trend may reflect a broader issue facing many private institutions, where competition for students and the rising costs of education are leading to dwindling enrollment numbers.

Graduation rates have also exhibited volatility, with the on-time graduation rate fluctuating considerably. Notably, it reached as low as 1.4% in 2014 but saw a significant recovery to 27.3% in 2023. Similarly, the 150% graduation rate also improved dramatically, indicating potential improvements in student support and educational outcomes.

Retention rates have remained relatively stable, with a slight increase to 87.5% in 2023 from 73.75% in 2013. This stability suggests that once students enroll, they are more likely to stay, which is a positive indicator for the institution’s educational environment.

In summary, while Caribbean University-Ponce has made strides in improving graduation and retention rates, the decline in student enrollment amid rising tuition costs poses challenges that the institution must address to ensure its sustainability and growth in the future.

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
Ana E. Cucurella (President)
Phone
7878402955
City
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Address
AVE. EDNITA NAZARIO #1015, Ponce, PR 00716-7733

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate100 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's400 international (0.0%)
Master's300 international (0.0%)
Doctoral60 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
14
Industrial Engineering
5
Criminal Justice/Police Science
5
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other
4
Civil Engineering, General
3
Accounting
3
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
2
Business Administration and Management, General
2
Elementary Education and Teaching
1
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Special Education and Teaching, General · Master's9 (0% international)
  • Curriculum and Instruction · Master's7 (0% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's6 (0% international)
  • Philosophy, Other · Doctoral6 (0% international)
  • Educational/Instructional Technology · Master's4 (0% international)
  • Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General · Master's4 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Data from Caribbean University-Ponce

The graduate data from Caribbean University-Ponce in 2023 reveals some intriguing trends across various disciplines. Notably, the Engineering programs, particularly Electrical and Electronics Engineering, produced the highest number of graduates with 17 bachelor's degrees awarded. This suggests a strong emphasis on engineering education, potentially responding to the growing demand for skilled professionals in technology and infrastructure within the Caribbean region.

In contrast, the fields of Education show a varied graduation pattern. While there are multiple programs listed under Education, only a few graduates were reported, with Elementary Education and Teaching yielding just three bachelor's degrees. The absence of international students in these programs could indicate a lack of appeal or accessibility for overseas candidates in this field, which is essential for addressing local educational needs.

Interestingly, the data indicates a significant absence of master's and doctorate degrees in most disciplines, with the only notable exceptions being in Educational Leadership and Administration and Philosophy, which collectively produced four doctorate graduates. This could reflect a potentially underdeveloped graduate program structure or limited opportunities for advanced studies, which may need addressing to meet regional educational demands.

Moreover, the health-related fields, such as Practical Nursing, also produced a modest number of graduates, highlighting the ongoing need for healthcare professionals. This aligns with global trends emphasizing the importance of healthcare education, especially in regions recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.

Overall, while certain programs like Engineering demonstrate robust graduation rates, other fields, particularly Education and advanced studies, appear to be lagging behind, indicating potential areas for growth and development within the university's academic offerings.

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

Educationhas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Curriculum and Instruction.$38,054
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.-
Educational/Instructional Technology.-
Special Education and Teaching, General.$34,729
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.-
Engineeringhas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Civil Engineering, General.-
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.-
Industrial Engineering.-
Businesshas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.-
Philosophy has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Philosophy, Other.-
Homeland security has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Police Science.-
Health professionshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.-
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other.$18,423
Computer and information sciencehas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.-

Students

591 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 63:37 · Freshman retention 76.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (432)

Hispanic
432 · 100.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Caribbean University-Ponce in 2023

The student demographics at Caribbean University-Ponce in 2023 reveal significant insights into the composition of the student body. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 62 students, with a striking 67.7% identifying as male and 32.3% as female. This indicates a predominantly male cohort, which may reflect broader trends in higher education where certain fields of study attract more male students.

The undergraduate juniors are represented by a larger group of 324 students, maintaining a similar male dominance with 63.9% male and 36.1% female. This consistency in gender ratios suggests that the university has a stable environment that retains male students through their undergraduate studies.

In contrast, the undergraduate transfer students show a more balanced gender distribution, with 47.4% male and 52.6% female. This shift may indicate that transfer students are seeking more equitable academic environments or are influenced by different social dynamics compared to their peers.

Graduate students, on the other hand, present an even more striking gender disparity, with only 24.8% male and a substantial 75.2% female representation. This trend is consistent with national statistics indicating that women are increasingly pursuing graduate degrees, particularly in fields such as education, health, and social sciences.

While the data regarding racial and ethnic breakdowns of the student body was not provided, it will be critical for the university to foster an inclusive environment that supports diverse backgrounds, especially considering the increasing emphasis on diversity in higher education. Overall, these statistics highlight important trends in gender representation across different levels of study, suggesting areas for potential growth and focus for Caribbean University-Ponce.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Caribbean University-Ponce in 2023

The student age demographics at Caribbean University-Ponce reveal intriguing insights into the educational landscape of the institution. The data shows that the majority of students fall within the age group of 22-24, with a total of 94 students, comprising both undergraduate and graduate levels. This trend aligns with global educational patterns, where younger adults typically pursue higher education immediately following secondary school.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable gender disparity, particularly among undergraduates. For instance, in the 22-24 age group, there are 61 male undergraduates compared to 31 female undergraduates, indicating a gender ratio skewed towards males in this demographic. This trend continues across various age groups, reflecting a broader issue within higher education where male enrollment often surpasses female enrollment in certain fields.

As students age, the gender distribution appears to balance somewhat, especially in the 35-39 age group, where the number of male and female graduate students is more comparable. This could suggest that as individuals progress through their studies, women are more likely to return or enter graduate programs, potentially reflecting changes in life circumstances or career aspirations.

Moreover, the data indicates that as students age beyond 40, there is a growing number of female students in graduate programs, particularly notable in the 40-49 age group. This trend may highlight the increasing acceptance and support for lifelong learning and professional development among women.

Overall, the demographic data from Caribbean University-Ponce provides a snapshot of the evolving educational dynamics, emphasizing the importance of encouraging female participation in higher education while also recognizing the significant presence of male students in traditional undergraduate programs.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 7.7%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%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 1.0%2025

Data insights

Commentary on International Student Representation at Caribbean University-Ponce

In 2021, Caribbean University-Ponce showcased a modest yet noteworthy presence of international students within its undergraduate population. With a total of 392 undergraduate students, the university welcomed 30 international students, representing approximately 7.65% of the total undergraduate body. This percentage, while relatively small, indicates a growing trend towards a more diverse educational environment, which is crucial in today's globalized world.

The absence of data regarding graduate students highlights an area for potential growth and improvement. As many universities worldwide are increasingly focusing on attracting international graduate students, Caribbean University-Ponce may benefit from developing strategies to enhance its appeal to this demographic. Graduate students often bring unique perspectives and expertise, enriching the academic community and fostering cross-cultural exchanges.

Moreover, the representation of international students can significantly impact the university's reputation on a global scale. Institutions that prioritize diversity and inclusivity are often viewed more favorably by prospective students and faculty, as well as by international partners.

In light of the current global situation, where many students are seeking educational opportunities abroad, Caribbean University-Ponce has the chance to position itself as a competitive option for international students. By promoting its unique offerings and enhancing support systems for these students, the university could increase its international enrollment in the coming years, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$17,094

Undergraduate tuition
$8,844
Room and board
$8,250
Graduate tuition
$6,650
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 73% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 40%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$1.8M

Tuition and fees
$1.5M85.9%
Government grants and contracts
$248K14.1%

Expenses$1.8M

Institutional support
$766K43.5%
Instruction
$715K40.6%
Student services
$185K10.5%
Academic support
$94K5.3%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$20,531peers $65,931
Assistant professor
$21,000peers $61,725
Instructor
$20,250peers $53,914

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 surrounding Caribbean University-Ponce:

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

  2. Florida International University - With a rank of 124, Florida International University offers a diverse range of programs and is noted for its commitment to student success and global engagement.

  3. University of Florida - A prestigious institution ranked 28th, the University of Florida is renowned for its academic excellence and strong research initiatives.

  4. University of South Florida - Ranked 89th, the University of South Florida is recognized for its innovation and is home to a large student population, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. Florida State University - With a ranking of 53, Florida State University is known for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, and business, along with a vibrant campus culture.

These institutions provide a wealth of opportunities for students in the region, contributing to a rich educational environment.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Robbery
2
Aggravated assault
1

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

Data insights

Crime Trends at Caribbean University-Ponce: A Reflection

The crime statistics from Caribbean University-Ponce present an intriguing overview of campus safety over the past decade. Initially, in 2014 and 2015, the university reported minimal incidents, with crime rates of 0.65 and 1.49 per 1,000 students, respectively. However, 2018 marked a significant uptick, with a dramatic rise to 10.66, followed by an alarming escalation to 21.19 in 2019. This spike could prompt concerns regarding campus safety and the effectiveness of security measures during this period.

Interestingly, the years following 2019 show a stark contrast, with no reported incidents from 2020 to 2023, indicating a potential return to a safer environment for students. This trend may reflect improvements in campus security protocols, increased awareness, or community engagement efforts aimed at crime prevention.

Moreover, the types of offenses recorded primarily involved gun-related arrests and drug-related incidents, which echo broader societal challenges surrounding substance abuse and violence that many educational institutions face today. The data highlights the importance of addressing these issues not only within the university context but also in the surrounding community.

In conclusion, while the fluctuations in crime rates may cause concern, the recent absence of reported incidents suggests a promising direction for safety at Caribbean University-Ponce. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures will be essential in maintaining this positive trend. For further details on calculating crime rates, please refer to this 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.