Admit rate has ranged 78%–93% 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 University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón is a public institution deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture, offering accessible education with a 54.6% acceptance rate and a strong emphasis on STEM and business programs. Known for its vibrant campus life and commitment to affordability, it serves as a critical pipeline for local talent, with a 50% graduation rate and graduates earning a median of $36,427 a year post-degree.
Admission requirements
Test-blind — scores not considered
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
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
2,851
In-state tuition
$6,284
Out-of-state tuition
$6,284
Top Majors
Biology, Psychology, Business Admin
Acceptance Rate
54.6%
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
6-Year Graduation Rate
52%
Median Earnings Post-Grad
$36,427
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,409
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
4.1×
Median debt at graduation
$5,500
Graduation rate
37%
First-year retention
78%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
66%
Pell (lower-income) share
99%
First-generation share
18%
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services$14,072
Business Administration, Management and Operations$13,702
Accounting and Related Services$13,702
Special Education and Teaching
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
35
Summer high
90°F
Winter low
69°F
Annual rain
45.4"
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 University of Puerto Rico?
University of Puerto Rico's acceptance rate is approximately 35% (Bayamon, PR), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does University of Puerto Rico cost?
At University of Puerto Rico, the average net price (after aid) is about $8,484 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Puerto Rico?
University of Puerto Rico enrolls approximately 2,851 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Puerto Rico located?
University of Puerto Rico is located in Bayamon, PR.
Admissions
The University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón maintains a moderately selective admissions process, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 54.6% (2,620 admitted from 4,799 applicants). Unlike many mainland U.S. institutions, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not a dominant factor—most admitted students submit SAT scores ranging from 810–1,060, but the university emphasizes GPA, with 50% of enrollees holding a 3.75+ GPA. Transfer students with 24+ credits and a 2.5+ GPA are guaranteed admission, reflecting the university’s accessibility mission.
UPR Bayamón’s academic identity is defined by its 8:1 student-faculty ratio and a focus on practical, career-oriented programs. The most popular majors include Biology, Psychology, Accounting, and Business Administration, with a notable strength in STEM fields like Computer Information Systems. The university offers , though its graduation rate of (52% within six years) suggests challenges with retention. Programs often integrate Puerto Rican cultural contexts, particularly in social sciences and humanities, distinguishing it from mainland counterparts.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus life thrives on cultural pride and community engagement. Unlike many U.S. schools, 99% of students commute, fostering a tight-knit off-campus social scene. The university hosts frequent festivals, music events, and academic conferences highlighting Puerto Rican heritage. Student organizations span academic clubs (e.g., Business Society) to cultural groups like Bomba y Plena ensembles. The lack of traditional dorm life is offset by the campus’s role as a hub for local activism and arts—protests and poetry slams are as common as lectures.
Graduation outcomes reflect systemic challenges: only 20% finish in four years, though the six-year rate climbs to 52%. Post-graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $36,427—comparable to Puerto Rico’s average but below U.S. mainland benchmarks. The university excels in retaining students (79% return after freshman year), but degree completion lags, likely due to financial pressures. Notably, STEM graduates often secure local jobs in healthcare and tech, while humanities majors lean toward education and public service.
UPR Bayamón is a budget-friendly option, with a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $9,119 after aid—67% of students receive financial assistance. Tuition is heavily subsidized for Puerto Rican residents, though exact figures aren’t publicly broken down by campus. The net price calculator estimates costs inclusive of books and fees, emphasizing affordability for low-income students. Aid packages typically combine federal grants and institutional scholarships, reducing reliance on loans.
UPR Bayamón is unapologetically local—a gateway for Puerto Rican students to access affordable, quality education without leaving the island. Its cultural immersion (e.g., courses in Puerto Rican history, Spanish-language instruction) and strong industry ties (particularly in nursing and engineering) make it a linchpin of the territory’s workforce. While graduation rates lag, its role in uplifting the community is undeniable, blending academic rigor with a distinctly Caribbean identity.
University of Puerto Rico logo · sourceUniversity of Puerto Rico Main Campus · sourceUniversity of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus - Wikipedia · sourceUniversity of Puerto Rico: Historical notes · source
