Admit rate has ranged 48%–96% 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 Cayey is a public institution where nearly everyone gets in (acceptance rates hover between 54-96%), but where academic rigor and community engagement define the experience. Known for its strong biology program and vibrant campus culture infused with Puerto Rican traditions, it serves as a gateway for students seeking affordable higher education with a 53% six-year graduation rate—a notable figure for the region.
Admission requirements
Test scores required
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
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
2,069
In-state tuition
$5,354
Out-of-state tuition
$5,354
Acceptance Rate
54-96%
Most Popular Major
Biology (84 degrees/year)
Student-Faculty Vibe
Close-knit, high respect
6-Year Graduation Rate
53%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$30,958
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,218
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$30,958
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.0×
Median debt at graduation
$5,000
Graduation rate
50%
First-year retention
76%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
70%
First-generation share
19%
Endowment / student
$1
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s 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.
Chemistry$26,896
Psychology, General$19,045
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$16,169
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 & 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
179
Summer high
82°F
Winter low
65°F
Annual rain
44.5"
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 at Cayey?
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey's acceptance rate is approximately 53% (Cayey, PR), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Puerto Rico at Cayey?
Admitted students at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey typically score 843–1073 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Puerto Rico at Cayey cost?
At University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, the average net price (after aid) is about $10,176 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Puerto Rico at Cayey?
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey enrolls approximately 2,069 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Puerto Rico at Cayey located?
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is located in Cayey, PR.
Admissions
UPR Cayey is one of the most accessible universities in Puerto Rico, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 54% to 96% depending on the source—though recent data suggests a tightening trend, with applications declining by 10.5% in 2024. The school doesn't heavily emphasize standardized tests (SAT ranges are a loose 843-1073, and ACT scores aren't reported), focusing instead on broader access. First-year cohorts are small, with about 600 students typically admitted annually.
Biology dominates here, with 84 degrees awarded annually—more than double the next most popular majors (psychology and natural sciences). The curriculum emphasizes research and community service, particularly in STEM fields. Small class sizes and a suburban campus foster close faculty-student relationships, though graduation timelines vary widely: only 10% finish in four years, while 53% graduate within six.
With 2,218 undergraduates, Cayey pulses with Caribbean energy—think impromptu music sessions, campus food vendors, and a constant hum of Spanglish chatter. On-campus housing is recommended for safety and immersion, though the suburban location means some students commute. Respect between students, faculty, and alumni is a noted hallmark, with active alumni engagement.
Persistence is strong (81% return after freshman year), but graduation rates tell a complex story: just 6% graduate in four years, while 53% earn degrees within six—a rate that outpaces many Puerto Rican peers. Median earnings a decade out are modest at $30,958, reflecting both the regional economy and the school's mission to serve local populations.
At $5,354 annually, tuition is a fraction of mainland U.S. colleges, and 92% of students receive aid—mostly federal grants averaging $6,050. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many pay even less, with merit scholarships covering books and fees for qualifying students. This affordability makes it a cornerstone for Puerto Rican families seeking upward mobility.
UPR Cayey is unapologetically Puerto Rican—a place where academic tenacity meets cultural pride. Its biology program punches above its weight, while the 96% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. embodies a democratic ideal of education. The six-year graduation rate, though low by U.S. standards, reflects resilience in a territory where many students balance work and study. For those seeking an authentic Boricua college experience with STEM opportunities, it’s a compelling choice.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey logo · sourceUniversity of Puerto Rico at Cayey · sourceUniversity of Puerto Rico at Cayey · sourceUniversity of Puerto Rico at Cayey_768x400 - Middle States Commission on Higher Education · source
