Best
Public Colleges in USA Territories in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in the U.S. territories combines management fundamentals with regional perspectives on tourism, trade, and public service. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, organizational behavior, business law, and entrepreneurship. Graduates commonly pursue roles as managers, human resources specialists, accountants, marketing coordinators, or entrepreneurs. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands, where students can study.

Psychology

Studying psychology in U.S. territories offers study of behavior alongside culturally diverse perspectives. Courses include introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and counseling. Graduates may pursue work as research assistants, case managers, behavioral health technicians, human resources specialists, or youth program coordinators; clinical practice generally requires graduate training and licensure. Options include the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Guam.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in the U.S. territories combines programming, mathematics, and technology, in smaller, culturally diverse communities. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, cybersecurity, networking, and artificial intelligence. Graduates commonly pursue work as software developers, systems analysts, database administrators, cybersecurity analysts, or IT support specialists. Options include the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, and University of Guam, which offer computer science degree programs.

Counseling

In the U.S. territories, counseling programs often combine psychology, development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Students may specialize in school, clinical mental-health, or rehabilitation counseling. Graduates commonly pursue work as school counselors, behavioral-health counselors, case managers, or community-program coordinators, subject to local licensing rules. Popular study options include the University of Puerto Rico, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Guam, which offer related counseling or counselor-education pathways.

Nursing

Studying nursing programs in U.S. territories offers preparation for diverse clinical settings and community health needs. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child care, mental health, and clinical practice. Graduates commonly become registered nurses, public health nurses, pediatric nurses, or nurse educators after further study. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico's Medical Sciences Campus, University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands, which offer nursing education.

Best Colleges in the USA Territories Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 5,024.0, compared with 8,712.4 at schools in the top 10%.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 95.4% of students overall, versus 65.57% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 65.57%. Schools receive an average of 1,511.07 applicants, compared with 3,888.3 applicants at schools in the top 10%.
• The median number of applicants is 419.5 men and 760.5 women.
• The average SAT score is 965.75, and the average ACT score is 17.0.
• Average enrollment is 2,757.44 students, including an average of 268.86 men and 336.71 women.
• The average graduation rate is 41.35%, compared with 50.8% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 37.0% for men and 44.0% for women.
• There are 13 institutions offering associate's degrees, 18 offering bachelor's degrees, 7 offering master's degrees, and 4 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 17 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh study costs and financial aid together, compare admissions selectivity and applicant numbers with their own academic profile, and consider graduation rates, degree offerings, enrollment, and the reported student demographics.

How much does studying at a college in the USA Territories cost?

Based on the supplied figures, the average total cost of studying in the U.S. territories is $5,994.56. Average tuition and fees are $5,639.56, while reported room and board averages $9,395 and books and supplies average $2,681.25. These figures offer a useful starting point, but confirm what each college includes and the time period covered before planning your budget.

• Puerto Rico: Explore University of Puerto Rico campuses and compare tuition, housing, and program costs.
• Guam: University of Guam is a local option; ask about fees, financial aid, and on-campus living.
• U.S. Virgin Islands: Check University of the Virgin Islands for degree choices and student support.
• American Samoa: American Samoa Community College can be a starting point for local study options.

Staying near family can be a real plus, and scholarships or commuting may ease costs. Ask campuses for current breakdowns: the figures above do not add up to the reported total before enrolling.

How long does it take to finish college in the USA Territories?

In the U.S. territories, a full-time bachelor's degree usually takes about four years, while an associate degree commonly takes two. At institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Guam, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you study part time. Programs with labs, clinical placements, or sequential requirements may take longer, so checking a degree map early can make planning feel much more manageable.

Reported graduation-rate figures offer useful context: the average rate is 41.35%, rising to 50.8% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 35.18% for men and 45.53% for women. These rates show that completing a degree can take persistence, but support and a realistic course plan can help you keep moving forward.

Options to potentially graduate faster include:

• Summer courses
• Transferable credits
• AP or prior-learning credits
• Accelerated programs, when offered
• Early adviser planning to avoid delays

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in the U.S. territories have a median alumni salary of $16,943. At schools in the top 10% for alumni salaries, the median is higher, at about $34,054. These figures offer a useful starting point, though your own earnings can vary with your degree, experience, and where you work.

Your options include institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, the University of the Virgin Islands, Northern Marianas College, and American Samoa Community College. Comparing programs and career paths can help you find a route that fits your goals - and build toward stronger earning opportunities after graduation.

People also ask

Does America Territories have good public schools?

Public schools in U.S. territories can be a good fit, but quality varies by territory and individual school. Many offer core instruction and strong community connections, while some may have fewer resources, course options, or support services. If you're considering a move, exploring the specific school's programs and speaking with local families can help you feel more confident about your choice.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in the USA Territories Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is a public university on Puerto Rico's western coast, offering a campus setting with access to beaches and regional communities. For a U.S. student in the territories, its $5,024 total study cost is notably low in this comparison. It enrolls 10,618 students, with a 57% acceptance rate and 49% graduation rate. Its median alumni salary is $32,781, the second-highest among these five schools, useful context when weighing affordability and outcomes before choosing a degree program there.

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is a public university on Puerto Rico's northern coast, serving the Arecibo region. Its smaller enrollment of 2,736 may appeal if you prefer a compact campus community. The listed total study cost is $5,024; its acceptance rate is 59% and graduation rate is 52%. Median alumni salary is $16,911. For students based in U.S. territories, studying here keeps college within Puerto Rico and offers an affordable option among these schools for students across the northern region.

The University of the Virgin Islands is a public institution serving the U.S. Virgin Islands, with campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Its island setting can keep a degree close to home for territory residents, though students should consider travel between islands. The school enrolls 1,863 students and has a 99% acceptance rate, a 28% graduation rate, and a total study cost of $15,900. Median alumni salary is $39,669, highest among five institutions, an outcome worth comparing with goals.

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is a public university in Cayey, a town in Puerto Rico's central region. The location offers a setting from coastal campuses, with the island's interior within reach. It enrolls 2,093 students, and its 53% acceptance rate is the lowest in this group. The graduation rate is 50%, total study cost is $5,024, and median alumni salary is $16,711. For U.S. territory students, Cayey combines local study with a low cost and a mid-sized enrollment.

University of Puerto Rico-Humacao is a public university on Puerto Rico's eastern coast, giving students in the region an option to pursue a degree without relocating to the island's western side. Its enrollment is 2,541, between Arecibo and Cayey. The university reports a 55% acceptance rate and a 47% graduation rate. Total study cost is $5,024, while median alumni salary is $15,511. For U.S. territory residents, Humacao's location and low cost may make it a practical choice for local study.