Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

The university offers 47 majors, with biology, business administration, and applied sciences among the most popular. The student-faculty ratio is 26:1, and the 4-year graduation rate is just 6% (37% overall). Programs emphasize practical skills in STEM and business, reflecting Puerto Rico's economic needs. The curriculum is bilingual (Spanish/English), and recent initiatives include a focus on biotechnology and applied mathematics. The General Catalog notes that graduation requirements may change during a student's enrollment, though these changes are not applied retroactively.

The campus fosters strong community ties, with recent investments in local K-12 partnerships like the Inter-American Academy of Arecibo, which emphasizes science and math preparation. Student life revolves around Puerto Rican culture, with limited data on formal extracurriculars but clear engagement in regional activities. A YouTube campus tour highlights modest facilities and a commuter-heavy population. The university positions itself as a hub for both local and international students, though specifics about international enrollment are scarce.

Graduation rates are a challenge: only 35% of students graduate, and early-career earnings average $19,000—$38,000 below the typical U.S. college graduate. Ten years post-enrollment, median salaries rise to $24,539. These outcomes reflect both the university's mission to serve lower-income students and broader economic challenges in Puerto Rico. Nursing graduates, however, report stronger job placement, per alumni discussions on allnurses.com.

The university is one of Puerto Rico's most affordable options, with an average net cost of $8,310 after aid (scholarships and grants average $6,067). The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator estimates costs as low as $9,217 for some families, though aid packages vary widely. Tuition transparency is a strength, with detailed breakdowns available online. However, the low net cost is offset by the institution's modest post-graduation earnings potential.

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo carves a niche as a STEM-focused, bilingual institution deeply embedded in its regional economy. Its selectivity (38% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.) is unusual for a public Puerto Rican university, suggesting growing demand. The recent Inter-American Academy initiative highlights its K-12 pipeline strategy, while its affordability ($8,310 net cost) makes it accessible. However, low graduation rates and earnings underscore the challenges of serving a high-need population in a struggling economy. For students committed to staying in Puerto Rico, particularly in STEM or healthcare, it offers a pragmatic—if unglamorous—path.