Douglas Olsen
Puerto Rico is an attractive prospect for students, with its warm climate and bilingual English-Spanish speaking population. There are a variety of institutions to choose from, including the University of Puerto Rico, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, and the National University College. In 2023, there were 169,397 students enrolled in Puerto Rico colleges, including 144,486 undergraduates and 24,911 graduate students. However, students in Puerto Rico face challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education, with a high school dropout rate of a third, and a low trajectory to college.
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What You'll Learn
University enrolment statistics for Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a population of 3.2 million people and a literacy rate of 93%. In 2013, there were 250,011 university students in the territory. As of the 2019-2020 academic year, there were 169,397 students enrolled in Puerto Rico's colleges, comprising 144,486 undergraduates and 24,911 graduate students. Of these, 130,506 were full-time students and 38,891 were part-time. The gender breakdown was 40.29% male and 59.71% female.
In terms of race and ethnicity, there were 1,152 Caucasian, 1,964 Black/African American, 126 Asian, and 161,764 Hispanic students enrolled in Puerto Rico's colleges. The territory has a high school dropout rate of around one-third, and of those who do graduate, few go on to attend college, especially on the US mainland. For those who do go to college, the graduation rate is low, with over half of students who enter college-level institutions in Puerto Rico failing to graduate. 41% of students in public universities and 33% in private institutions obtain a diploma.
There are more than 700 private schools in Puerto Rico, with over 8,000 teachers, most of whom are Catholic. Prominent private schools include The Episcopal Cathedral School, Colegio Católico Notre Dame, and Academia Bautista de Puerto Nuevo. There are also numerous colleges, including the University of Puerto Rico, NUC University, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.
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Student demographics in Puerto Rican universities
Enrolment in colleges in Puerto Rico for the academic year 2023-2024 stands at 169,397 students, including 144,486 undergraduates and 24,911 graduate students. The student population is comprised of 40.29% male and 59.71% female students. There are 130,506 full-time and 38,891 part-time students. In undergraduate schools, 112,329 students are attending classes with full-time status and 32,157 are part-time students. In graduate school, 18,177 students are full-time and 6,734 students are attending schools with part-time status.
In terms of race and ethnicity, there are 1,152 Caucasian, 1,964 Black/African American, 126 Asian, and 161,764 Hispanic students in Puerto Rico colleges.
Puerto Rican students face several challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education, especially in mainland colleges. A significant issue is the language of instruction and admission requirements. Due to a policy decision made in 1964, Puerto Rican students take the Spanish-language Prueba de Aptitud Académica (PAA) or "el College Board," which is not accepted by mainland universities for admission, except for international students. While English is required to be taught in schools, 80% of students speak English less than very well, according to the Census Bureau. This language barrier can hinder their chances of securing admission to universities on the mainland.
Additionally, income inequality plays a role in the challenges faced by Puerto Rican students. The poverty rate is high, with an estimated 44% of people in Puerto Rico living in poverty, compared to 12.5% of other Americans. The median household income is $19,775, which is less than the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board at a public four-year university. As a result, few families can afford to send their children to college, especially out-of-state. This disparity contributes to a situation where even low-income students with high test scores are much less likely to attend top colleges than their higher-income peers.
Furthermore, the high school dropout rate in Puerto Rico is significant, with a third of high school students quitting before graduation, more than double the rate in the rest of the United States. Among those who do graduate, only 51% continue on to college, compared to higher rates in suburban, rural, and urban areas of the United States. Even for those who enrol in universities in Puerto Rico, fewer than half earn degrees within six years, according to Excelencia in Education.
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Challenges for students wanting to study abroad
Puerto Rico has a total of 169,397 students enrolled in its colleges, including 144,486 undergraduate and 24,911 graduate students. The gender distribution is 40.29% male and 59.71% female. There are 130,506 full-time and 38,891 part-time students.
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, gain new perspectives, and experience different cultures. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some of the common challenges that students wanting to study abroad may face:
Language Barrier
One of the most significant challenges of studying abroad is overcoming language barriers. Even if you are proficient in the local language, you may encounter difficulties understanding accents or slang phrases. This can make communication difficult and impact your ability to express yourself effectively. To mitigate this challenge, it is advisable to start learning the language before your departure and continue practising once you arrive. Immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with native speakers, and seek out opportunities to improve your language skills.
Cultural Adjustment
Adjusting to a new culture can be daunting and may lead to feelings of isolation. Each country has unique customs, norms, and social rules that you need to navigate. Misunderstandings and culture shock are common, but with research and an open mind, you can gradually adapt to your host country's culture. Learning about local customs, etiquette, and cultural differences beforehand can help smoothen the transition. Embracing the new culture, exploring the local lifestyle, and connecting with locals can also facilitate cultural adjustment.
Homesickness
Being away from home and separated from your familiar support network of family and friends can lead to homesickness. It is normal to miss your loved ones and feel a sense of loneliness or isolation. To cope with homesickness, maintain regular contact with your loved ones through video calls and messaging. Additionally, focus on building a new support network by connecting with other international students and locals who can relate to your experiences.
Academic and Educational Differences
The education system varies across countries, and adapting to a new educational environment can be challenging. Different teaching methods, assessment styles, and academic expectations can take time to adjust to. Understanding the local education system, seeking academic support, and familiarizing yourself with the academic resources available can help you navigate these differences effectively.
Financial Considerations
Studying abroad can be expensive, and managing finances is a common challenge for students. Tuition fees, living expenses, and currency differences can all impact your financial situation. Creating a budget, exploring scholarship opportunities, and working part-time (if allowed) can help alleviate financial burdens. Additionally, researching the cost of living in your host country and planning your finances accordingly can help you make informed decisions.
While studying abroad brings challenges, they can be overcome with preparation, resilience, and a positive mindset. Embrace the opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the development of valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your life.
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Graduation rates at Puerto Rican universities
Puerto Rico has a population of 3.2 million, but only 694 high school graduates went to college on the mainland or abroad in 2016. The territory has a huge high school dropout rate, with a third of students quitting before they finish school, more than double the proportion in the rest of the United States.
Among those who do graduate high school, a comparatively low number go to college, especially on the mainland. Of those who do enrol at universities on the island, fewer than half earn degrees, even after six years. The average graduation rate of Puerto Rico colleges is 40.06%. This means that 8,942 students out of 22,322 candidates completed their degree within 150% of the normal time (for example, within six years for students seeking a four-year bachelor's degree).
There are several challenges that students in Puerto Rico face when it comes to attending college. Firstly, there is a lack of information and guidance available to students about how to apply to college. School counsellors tend to focus on social and emotional issues rather than academic and career counselling. Secondly, the SAT or ACT exams are required for admission to mainland universities, but few public high schools encourage students to take these exams. Last year, only 3,783 students in Puerto Rico took the SAT, which is less than 15% of high school seniors.
Some organisations and policymakers are working to address these issues. For example, the governor, Ricardo Rosselló Nevares, has announced the creation of educational development accounts, which will invest $1,000 for every student, payable on high school graduation, to help with college expenses or to discourage dropouts. The Kinesis Foundation provides students with academic advising, financial education, and scholarships, and has sent 325 students to top colleges in the mainland US.
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Puerto Rico's top-ranked universities
Puerto Rico offers many educational opportunities for English- and Spanish-speaking students. Colleges in Puerto Rico offer lower tuition rates than many other schools in the US, and some admit 100% of applicants. The island also has a relatively low cost of living compared to the national US average.
According to the most recent data, there are 169,397 students enrolled in Puerto Rico colleges for the 2023-2024 academic year, including 144,486 undergraduate and 24,911 graduate students. Of these, 130,506 are full-time students, and 38,891 are part-time. There is also a significant number of students enrolled exclusively in online courses, with 17,260 taking only online classes and 76,062 taking a mix of online and in-person courses.
While I cannot find a definitive list of the top-ranked universities in Puerto Rico, I can provide you with some of the most popular colleges and universities in Puerto Rico based on factors such as overall reputation, academic quality, and the number of applicants:
- Inter Bayamon: This university focuses on the sciences and offers bachelor's degrees in biology, industrial engineering, and computer science. In 2021, engineering students at Inter Bayamon produced Puerto Rico's first artificial satellite. The university also has a robust sports program and offers athletic scholarships.
- Sagrado: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Sagrado offers six academic departments, including nursing, communication, and business administration bachelor's degrees. Sagrado also offers special projects that provide students with hands-on experience in creative technologies, entrepreneurship, and other subjects.
- University of Puerto Rico: This university has campuses in various cities across Puerto Rico, including San Juan and Mayagüez.
- Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico: This institution offers courses in engineering and health sciences.
You can also refer to ranking platforms such as uniRank and EduRank for more information on how Puerto Rico's universities compare to each other.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 169,397 students enrolled in universities in Puerto Rico, including 144,486 undergraduate and 24,911 graduate students for the academic year 2023-2024.
In undergraduate schools, 82,530 students enrolled in online courses and 10,792 students took at least one online graduate course.
40.29% of students enrolled in universities in Puerto Rico are male, and 59.71% are female.
Over half of the students entering college-level institutions in Puerto Rico do not graduate. 41% of four-year students in public universities and 33% in private institutions obtain a diploma.
Some of the top universities in Puerto Rico include the University of Puerto Rico, NUC University, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.
