Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Arecibo, Puerto Rico with 273 undergraduates. It admits 94% of applicants, costs an average of $8,875 a year after grants and graduates 40% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo acceptance rate and admissions
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo admitted 94% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $6,670 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $16,937 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $8,875 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $8,875 a year after grants and scholarships, $8,062 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 40% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $30,445 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $12,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 41% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo majors and what graduates earn
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo awarded bachelor's degrees in 12 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from special education ($34,645).
All 12 majors at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special education | 0 | n/a | $34,645 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | 2 | n/a | $33,066 | n/a |
| Accounting | 1 | $32,244 | $31,158 | $8,750 |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 4 | $28,654 | $28,523 | $18,897 |
| Biology | 27 | $13,482 | $27,205 | $13,000 |
| Business administration | 3 | n/a | $24,412 | $10,213 |
| Psychology | 4 | $22,648 | $24,118 | $11,000 |
| Criminology | 4 | $17,595 | $22,958 | $16,500 |
| Environmental science | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biotechnology | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assisting | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
6 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 6 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Doctoral | 19 | $32,098 | $118,800 |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 12 | $25,726 | $45,177 |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Human resources | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Business administration | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 273 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 70% women, 30% men
- 10 students for every faculty member
- Setting: small suburb
- Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo admitted 94% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $6,670. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $8,875 a year in 2024-25.
Is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
40% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $30,445 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Puerto Rico · Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.