Universities in Puerto Rico ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 33 Universities in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico does not have administrative divisions that would justify a university sub-ranking.

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Overview of Puerto Rico Universities

Puerto Rico's higher education system blends U.S. accreditation standards with Caribbean-Latin American influences. The island hosts 33 accredited universities, with Spanish and English bilingual instruction common across institutions. Public universities receive government funding and offer lower tuition, while private institutions include religious-affiliated non-profits and specialized career colleges. Programs typically follow the U.S. model: 4-year bachelor's degrees followed by master's and doctoral programs. Key study areas include engineering, health sciences, business administration and tropical environmental studies, with strong industry connections in pharmaceuticals and tourism.

Top 10 Puerto Rico Universities

1. Universidad de Puerto Rico (University of Puerto Rico) (UPR)
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 1051
   Location: San Juan
   Established: 1903 | Public | Non-Profit
2. Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez) (UPRM)
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 1346
   Location: Mayagüez
   Established: 1911 | Public | Non-Profit
3. Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras (University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras) (UPRRP)
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 2029
   Location: San Juan
   Established: 1903 | Public | Non-Profit
4. Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (Interamerican University of Puerto Rico) (IAU)
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 2733
   Location: San Germán
   Established: 1912 | Private | Non-Profit
5. Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico (Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico) (UPPR)
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 4141
   Location: San Juan
   Established: 1966 | Private | Non-Profit
6. Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (University of the Sacred Heart) (USC)
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 4775
   Location: Santurce
   Established: 1935 | Private | Non-Profit
7. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico (Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico) (PUCPR)
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 5245
   Location: Ponce
   Established: 1970 | Private | Non-Profit
8. Universidad Albizu (Carlos Albizu University) (UA)
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 5747
   Location: San Juan
   Established: 1966 | Private | Non-Profit
9. Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU)
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 6165
   Location: Ponce
   Established: 1977 | Private | For-Profit
10. NUC University (NU)
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 6762
    Location: Bayamón
    Established: 1983 | Private | For-Profit

Analysis of University Types

Puerto Rico's 33 universities divide into public (14 institutions, 42%) and private (19 institutions, 58%). The public sector is anchored by the multi-campus University of Puerto Rico system, established in 1903. Private institutions show greater diversity: 15 non-profit universities (including Catholic and Interamerican universities) and 4 for-profit career colleges like NUC University. Geographically, San Juan dominates with 5 top-10 institutions, while Mayagüez, Ponce and San Germán host major regional campuses.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Puerto Rican universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide rankings. The highest-ranked institution, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), holds position #1051 globally. While internationally ranked below U.S. mainland peers, Puerto Rico's universities maintain strong regional recognition and specialized accreditation in engineering (ABET) and medicine (LCME).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Puerto Rico's top university?
The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) system ranks #1 nationally, with its Mayagüez engineering campus (#2) and Río Piedras liberal arts campus (#3) also topping national lists.

Do Puerto Rican universities accept U.S. federal financial aid?
Yes, most accredited institutions participate in U.S. Title IV programs, allowing students to use FAFSA for federal grants and loans.

Is Spanish required for studying in Puerto Rico?
While many programs are bilingual, public universities primarily teach in Spanish. Private universities like Sacred Heart and Interamerican offer English-track degrees, particularly in graduate programs.

What are the tuition differences between public and private universities?
Public universities charge $3,000-$5,000 USD/year for residents. Private institutions range from $6,500/year (non-profits) to $15,000/year (for-profits).

Which university is best for health sciences?
Ponce Health Sciences University (#9 nationally) specializes in medical education, while Universidad Central del Caribe (ranked #11) focuses on biomedical research.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Puerto Rican universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Puerto Rico
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Puerto Rican post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Puerto Rico
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• Puerto Rican Universities by Town
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• Top Public Universities in Puerto Rico
  Discover Puerto Rican public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Puerto Rico
  Find out about Puerto Rican private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Puerto Rico
  Explore Puerto Rican not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Puerto Rico
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  Explore the Universities in Puerto Rico with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.