What is the acceptance rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce's acceptance rate is approximately 98% (Ponce, PR), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.

What SAT score do you need for Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?

Admitted students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce typically score 1195–1360 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

How many undergraduates attend Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce enrolls approximately 3,874 undergraduate students.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce: Acceptance Rate, SAT & Cost — QuantAdmit

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Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Ponce, PRprivate nonprofitpucpr.edu

Acceptance

98%

SAT 25–75

1195–1360

Avg net price

$13,192

Earnings (10 yr)

$24,908

Graduation rate

49%

Admit rate has ranged 85%–95% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.

Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.

The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is a private Catholic institution with a near-open admissions policy (98% acceptance rate) and a strong regional focus on healthcare and liberal arts. Its urban Ponce campus offers affordable tuition ($6,650) but struggles with low graduation rates (18-46%), while fostering a tight-knit, academically focused community with standout programs in biomedical sciences and nursing.

Admission requirements

Test-optional — scores considered if submitted

Required

High school transcript
Grade point average

Considered (not required)

Test scores (SAT/ACT)

Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.

More details

Undergrad enrollment: 3,874
In-state tuition: $6,650
Out-of-state tuition: $6,650
Top Majors: Biomedical Sciences, Nursing
Campus Setting: Urban (Ponce)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate (6-yr): 46%

Outcomes & value

Median earnings (10 yr): $24,908
Value (earnings ÷ net price): 1.9×
Median debt at graduation: $15,500
Graduation rate: 49%
First-year retention: 83%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr): 32%
Pell (lower-income) share: 94%
First-generation share: 31%
Endowment / student: $3,289

Top-earning majors

Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.

Architecture$28,598
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language$27,439
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities$24,904
Criminology$21,508
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication$20,140
Psychology, General$16,663

Campus & location

Campus safety

On-campus violent crimes (2024): 0
Per 1,000 students: 0.00

On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.

Climate

Pleasant days / yr: 8
Summer high: 88°F
Winter low: 71°F
Annual rain: 36.6"

Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023).

Quick answers

What is the acceptance rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?: Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce's acceptance rate is approximately 98% (Ponce, PR), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?: Admitted students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce typically score 1195–1360 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce cost?: At Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, the average net price (after aid) is about $13,192 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?: Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce enrolls approximately 3,874 undergraduate students.
Where is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce located?: Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is located in Ponce, PR.

Admissions

With a 98% acceptance rate (2,763 admitted from 2,817 applicants in 2024), PCUPR-Ponce is among the most accessible four-year universities in Puerto Rico—far above the island’s average 57% . The admissions process is minimally selective: applicants need only a 3.48 average GPA and SAT scores between 1123-1336, with no strict cutoff. The $15 application fee and March 15 deadline suggest a straightforward, low-barrier process, though early admission is available. Notably, the university’s (enrollment rate) is unlisted, hinting that many admitted students may opt for other institutions.