Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Guayama

The urban campus enrolls approximately 1,661 undergraduates, fostering close-knit peer and faculty relationships. Student life is modest but active, with clubs and organizations available, though Greek life isn’t mentioned in sources. Housing options aren’t detailed, suggesting many students may commute. The vibe is practical and community-focused, aligning with the university’s nonprofit mission and Christian roots. Sports and other extracurriculars exist but aren’t a dominant feature of campus culture—this isn’t a "rah-rah" sports school.

Post-graduation outcomes are modest, with median earnings one year after graduation at $15,741—reflecting Puerto Rico’s lower wage economy. The graduation rate ranges between 38.7% and 48% depending on the source, and retention rates (where data is available for sister campuses) hover around 74%. Debt at graduation is relatively low compared to U.S. mainland schools, with one sister campus reporting median debt of $5,500. Many graduates likely enter local healthcare, business, or public safety fields given the popular majors.

Tuition is $4,848 for in-state students, with total costs (including living expenses) estimated between $10,000–$18,000 annually. The average net price after aid is $8,040–$9,320, and 91% of students receive financial aid—often in the form of institutional grants averaging $1,399–$5,911. This makes the university one of Puerto Rico’s more affordable private options, though students should still budget carefully given post-graduation earning potential.

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Guayama carves a niche as an accessible, affordable, and career-aligned institution for southern Puerto Rico. Its strengths include:

• Strong regional pipelines into nursing and criminal justice careers.
• Low debt burdens compared to mainland U.S. colleges.
• Intimate scale (1,600 students) with a focus on teaching over research.
• Deep local roots as part of a century-old Puerto Rican university system.

It’s not for students seeking a highly residential or research-intensive experience, but it delivers pragmatic education with minimal frills—and minimal debt.