Ponce Health Sciences University-East
Acceptance rate
79.8%
2025
Peer median 83.3%
Tuition per year
$19,304
$37,504 with room and board
Peer median $18,677
Undergraduates
131
Student-faculty ratio 7:1
Peer median 11 : 1
“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Ponce Health Sciences University-East (PHSU-East) is a prominent institution dedicated to health sciences education, located in the vibrant region of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Established with a commitment to excellence, PHSU-East specializes in various health-related programs, including medicine, psychology, and public health. The university is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, which prepares students for successful careers in the healthcare field. The faculty at PHSU-East consists of experienced professionals and scholars who are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of health leaders. The school's emphasis on small class sizes promotes personalized learning experiences, allowing students to engage with their instructors and peers more profoundly.
In addition to its strong academic offerings, Ponce Health Sciences University-East fosters a rich campus culture that encourages collaboration and community service. The university emphasizes the importance of health equity and social responsibility, motivating students to participate in outreach programs that benefit local communities. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories and simulation centers, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in a conducive learning environment. As a result, PHSU-East graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving healthcare landscape, contributing positively to the wellbeing of society. With a strong focus on research and innovation, the university continues to lead initiatives that address pressing health issues, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in health sciences education.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Ponce Health Sciences University-East
Ponce Health Sciences University-East, being a private institution, has shown interesting trends in several key metrics over the years. One of the most notable aspects is the fluctuation in tuition fees, particularly for in-state undergraduate students. From 2020 to 2022, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students dropped significantly from $10,949 to $9,468, reflecting a commitment to making education more accessible. However, it rebounded to $10,504 in 2024, indicating the challenges of maintaining affordability in higher education.
Another critical metric is the retention rate, which saw a remarkable improvement. The retention rate for undergraduate students was recorded at 50% in 2022, and it soared to an impressive 100% in 2023. This suggests that the university has made significant strides in engaging and supporting its students, leading to higher rates of student satisfaction and commitment to completing their studies.
The gender ratio among undergraduates also presents an interesting trend. The proportion of female undergraduates increased steadily from 78.5% in 2020 to 91.3% in 2023, while the proportion of male undergraduates fell sharply from 21.9% to just 8.7% over the same period. This shift may reflect broader societal trends in higher education, where more women are pursuing degrees, but it also poses questions about the university's recruitment strategies and how they might better attract male students.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained stable at 3:1 from 2020 to 2023. A consistent ratio suggests that the university is maintaining a favorable learning environment, ensuring that students receive adequate attention and support from faculty members, which is crucial for academic success.
In summary, Ponce Health Sciences University-East is navigating challenges related to tuition affordability and demographic shifts while successfully enhancing student retention. These metrics are vital indicators of the institution's health and future trajectory.
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- San Juan, about 45 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), about 50 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Gino Natalicchio (President)
- Phone
- 7878402575
- City
- Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Address
- Urb Villa Flores Calle Acacia #1213, Ponce, PR 00731-0000
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 83.3% · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 42.9%, women 43.1%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Ponce Health Sciences University-East
The admission data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East reveals several interesting trends over the past few years. In 2020, the acceptance rates for male and female applicants were relatively close, at approximately 43% for males and 43% for females, with a total enrollment of 25 students. However, by 2021, there was a significant increase in the acceptance rate for male applicants, soaring to about 67%, while the female acceptance rate dropped to roughly 48%. This year saw a decrease in total enrollment to 18 students, despite the higher acceptance rate for males.
In 2022, the trends shifted again, with the male acceptance rate falling to 40% and the female rate rising to about 52%. This year, the university enrolled 14 students, with 20 applicants being denied. The most recent data from 2023 shows a further decline in the male acceptance rate to approximately 33%, while the female acceptance rate also decreased to about 46%. Interestingly, the total enrollment increased to 20 students, despite the overall drop in acceptance rates.
These fluctuations in admission rates may reflect broader trends in higher education, where universities are navigating changing demographics and student interests. The consistent denial of applicants highlights the competitive nature of health sciences programs. Moreover, it is essential for the university to maintain a balanced approach to admissions, ensuring that both male and female applicants have equitable opportunities. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, Ponce Health Sciences University-East must adapt its strategies to attract and retain a diverse student body.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Scores at Ponce Health Sciences University-East
The data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East reveals a significant lack of available information regarding admission scores for prospective students from 2007 to 2023. The absence of SAT and ACT score submissions, along with the missing percentage of applicants who submitted these scores, raises questions about the university's admission practices and transparency.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend among universities to become more holistic in their admissions processes, taking into account various factors beyond standardized test scores. However, the complete absence of any score data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East suggests that the institution may not be fully embracing this trend or could be facing challenges in data collection and reporting.
Furthermore, the lack of reported score ranges for reading, mathematics, and composite ACT scores limits the potential for prospective students to gauge the competitiveness of the admissions process. This is particularly important in the context of rising applicant pools and the increasing emphasis on academic performance in higher education.
In light of the ongoing discussions about the validity and necessity of standardized testing in college admissions, the university may need to consider revising its approach. By providing more comprehensive data on admissions scores, Ponce Health Sciences University-East could enhance its reputation and attract a wider range of applicants, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and academically robust student body.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
114 applicants in 2025, 79.8% admitted
91 admitted 23 not admitted Yield 71.4%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Psychology, General · Master's56 (0% international)
- Clinical Psychology · Doctoral53 (0% international)
- Psychology, General · Doctoral27 (0% international)
- School Psychology · Master's14 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East
The graduation data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East for 2023 reveals some intriguing trends, particularly in the fields of psychology and nursing. Notably, the university exhibits a complete absence of graduates at the bachelor's level across all psychology-related programs, indicating a potential gap in undergraduate offerings or a lack of interest in these programs among students. This may also reflect broader trends in education, where students might be opting for more immediate career paths or pursuing more specialized advanced degrees directly.
In stark contrast, the data highlights a significant output at the doctoral level in psychology, with a total of 54 graduates. This aligns with the increasing demand for highly qualified professionals in mental health, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has underscored the importance of mental health services. The growth in doctoral graduates can be seen as a strategic response to the rising need for clinical psychologists and other specialized roles in mental health care.
Furthermore, the Registered Nursing program also shows a promising trend, with 21 graduates at the bachelor level. This is particularly relevant given the ongoing nursing shortages across the healthcare sector, exacerbated by the pandemic. The nursing field has been recognized as critical in providing patient care, and the university's output in this area may contribute positively to addressing workforce challenges in the healthcare system.
Overall, while the absence of bachelor's graduates in psychology raises questions about the programs' viability, the strong doctoral output suggests a commitment to advanced education in mental health. Meanwhile, the nursing program's graduation numbers indicate that the university is poised to make a meaningful impact in addressing current healthcare needs.
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 | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - | |||
| Clinical Psychology. | - | |||
| School Psychology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
Students
764 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 19:81 · Freshman retention 87.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 52
- First-year undergraduates 65
- Graduate students 633
- Transfers and others 14
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (131)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Student Demographics at Ponce Health Sciences University-East in 2023
The student demographic data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East for 2023 reveals intriguing patterns, especially regarding gender distribution and the overall composition of students. Notably, among undergraduates, the male representation is significantly low, with only 10% of new freshmen and 8% of continuing students identifying as male. This stark contrast highlights a prevalent trend of female dominance in these categories, with female students making up 90% and 92% respectively.
In the transfer students category, the data shows a single transfer student who is female, indicating an almost exclusive female demographic within this subgroup. This raises questions about the factors influencing such a gender imbalance, including societal trends, academic interests, and recruitment strategies that may disproportionately attract female students.
Conversely, graduate students represent a more balanced distribution with 16.1% males and 83.9% females. This balance suggests that as students progress in their academic journey, the gender dynamics may shift, potentially due to differing professional aspirations or fields of study that attract diverse genders differently.
The absence of data on racial and ethnic diversity within the undergraduate categories may limit a comprehensive understanding of the student body's makeup. However, the graduate student group shows a need for further exploration into racial demographics, as it remains a crucial aspect of educational equity.
Overall, the data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East underscores a significant gender imbalance in undergraduate enrollment, prompting further examination of the systemic factors at play, while also indicating a more diverse landscape within graduate studies.
Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at Ponce Health Sciences University-East
The age distribution data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East reveals a diverse student body with varying educational backgrounds. The largest demographic group is comprised of students aged 25-29, particularly among graduate female students, who number 284. This trend reflects a broader national pattern where more individuals are pursuing advanced degrees later in life, often balancing work and education.
Interestingly, while the total number of male students remains relatively low, the number of undergraduate females significantly outnumbers their male counterparts across almost all age groups. For instance, in the 20-21 age bracket, there are 24 female undergraduates compared to only 2 males. This gender disparity highlights an ongoing trend in higher education, where women are increasingly outpacing men in enrollment and graduation rates.
Moreover, the data shows a noteworthy presence of graduate students aged 22-24, with 80 total students, indicating that many individuals are opting for further education immediately after completing their undergraduate studies. This could be attributed to the growing job market demand for advanced qualifications in health sciences.
The age group of 50-64 has minimal representation, suggesting that the university primarily attracts younger students or those in the early to mid-stages of their careers. Overall, this age composition emphasizes a shift towards lifelong learning, where students of various ages are seeking to enhance their skills and qualifications in a competitive job market.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2020
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2020
Data insights
Commentary on International Student Enrollment Trends at Ponce Health Sciences University-East
The enrollment of international students at Ponce Health Sciences University-East reflects broader trends in higher education, where universities are increasingly becoming global institutions. While specific numbers are not available in this instance, it's important to recognize the significance of international students in enriching the academic environment, enhancing cultural diversity, and contributing to the local economy.
International students often bring unique perspectives and experiences, which can lead to a more robust educational experience for all students. Moreover, their presence can foster international collaborations and discussions, preparing domestic students for a globalized job market. In recent years, many universities across the United States have seen fluctuations in international enrollment due to factors such as changes in immigration policies, global health crises, and shifts in geopolitical climates.
As universities, including Ponce Health Sciences University-East, navigate these complexities, they must focus on creating a supportive environment for international students. Initiatives such as orientation programs, cultural exchange activities, and academic support services can play a crucial role in helping these students acclimate to life in a new country.
In conclusion, while the specific data on international student numbers at Ponce Health Sciences University-East is currently unavailable, the overall trends indicate a critical need for institutions to prioritize the recruitment and retention of international students. This will not only enhance the educational experience but also contribute to the university's reputation as a global leader in health sciences education.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$37,504
- Undergraduate tuition
- $19,304
- Room and board
- $18,200
- Graduate tuition
- $18,555
Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose -0% from 2020 to 2025; room and board rose 117%.
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 Ponce Health Sciences University-East:
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University of Miami - Ranked 67th in the 2024 US News rankings, it is a comprehensive university known for its research programs and vibrant campus life.
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Florida International University - With a rank of 124, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success.
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Nova Southeastern University - Ranked 227th, this comprehensive university is known for its innovative programs and strong focus on health sciences.
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University of Central Florida - Also ranked 124, UCF is one of the largest universities in the United States and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
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University of South Florida - Ranked 89th, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse student body.
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University of Florida - As one of the top public universities in the nation, ranked 28th, it offers a comprehensive range of programs and is known for its academic excellence.
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Florida State University - Ranked 53rd, this comprehensive university is celebrated for its strong programs in the arts and sciences.
These institutions provide a rich educational landscape for students in the region, each offering unique strengths and specialties.
Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Data insights
Commentary on Crime Data at Ponce Health Sciences University-East
The crime statistics from Ponce Health Sciences University-East over the years reveal a striking absence of reported incidents, leading to an average crime rate of zero per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2023. This data is highly encouraging, indicating a campus environment where students can focus on their studies without the distraction or fear of crime. The absence of serious offenses such as gun-related arrests, drug-related arrests, or alcohol-related incidents suggests that the institution has effective safety measures in place, fostering a secure learning atmosphere.
In a broader context, many universities face challenges with campus safety, often dealing with issues like substance abuse and violence. The data from Ponce Health Sciences University-East stands in contrast to national trends, which have seen fluctuations in crime rates, especially in light of recent societal challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought unique security issues to campuses, yet the university has maintained a clean slate.
Moreover, the lack of incidents related to domestic violence, stalking, or sexual offenses indicates a commitment to student welfare and preventative measures. As universities strive to create safe spaces for their communities, Ponce Health Sciences University-East serves as a notable example of how proactive strategies can lead to a crime-free environment.
As we consider these statistics, it's essential to recognize the importance of continuous efforts in maintaining safety and addressing any emerging concerns to ensure that students remain supported during their educational journey. For more information on crime rate calculations, 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.