Best
Value Colleges in USA Territories in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in the U.S. territories combines management foundations with perspectives on tourism, trade, and public service. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, organizational behavior, business law, and human resources. Graduates pursue roles as business managers, marketing coordinators, accountants, human resources specialists, or entrepreneurs. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico, University of Guam, University of the Virgin Islands, American Samoa Community College, and Northern Marianas College, which offer business-related study.

Psychology

Studying psychology in U.S. territories offers coursework in introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and counseling. Students often complete laboratory work or internships serving local communities. Graduates may pursue roles as behavioral health technicians, case managers, human-services workers, or research assistants; clinical practice usually requires graduate study and licensure. Popular 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, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, networking, cybersecurity, and software engineering with education. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, IT support specialists, database administrators, or cybersecurity analysts. Popular choices include the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, the University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands, which offer computer science programs and access to local internships and career pathways.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in the U.S. territories can prepare students to support individuals, families, and communities. Typical courses include counseling theories, lifespan development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue work as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, case managers, or community program coordinators, subject to local licensing requirements. Popular options include the University of Guam, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, and Albizu University in Puerto Rico.

Nursing

Studying nursing in the U.S. territories offers preparation for healthcare careers in island communities. Programs typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, community health, maternal-child care, and clinical practice. Graduates may pursue registered nurse licensure and work in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, schools, or long-term care. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Guam, each offering nursing education.

Best Colleges in the USA Territories Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 5,760.0, compared with 12,025.0 at schools in the top 10% - a higher median cost among the top-ranked group.
• On average, 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, versus 68.83% at schools in the top 10%. The overall average acceptance rate is also 68.83%.
• Schools receive an average of 992.22 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 2,587.0 applicants. The median number of applicants is 171 male and 266 female.
• The average SAT score is 965.75, and the average ACT score is 17.0.
• Average enrollment is 2,448.09 students, including an average of 155.22 men and 223.55 women enrolled.
• The average graduation rate is 43.84%, compared with 63.6% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 36.0% for men and 47.0% for women.
• There are 59 institutions offering associate's degrees, 68 offering bachelor's degrees, 50 offering master's degrees, and 19 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 65 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the total cost with financial-aid availability, and consider how admissions selectivity, applicant volume, test-score averages, enrollment, and graduation rates align with your needs. Also check that the institution offers the degree level you want; the figures show that costs, aid, and graduation outcomes differ between the overall group and the top 10% of schools.

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

In the USA Territories, the reported average total cost of studying is $7,158.48. For students planning a degree, this offers a useful starting point, but the listed expense averages should be considered separately because they do not add up to that total.

• Average tuition and fees: $7,012.12
• Average room and board: $8,147.83
• Average books and supplies: $2,121.95

These figures show why it helps to check what each college includes in its cost estimate and prepare a personal budget before enrolling. Students can explore institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, the University of the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa Community College. Costs and programs vary by campus, degree, and living arrangements, so compare current estimates with each school. Staying close to home may help some students manage housing or travel expenses, while scholarships and financial aid can make a degree feel more achievable. With a clear budget and a campus that fits your goals, studying in the territories can be an exciting next step.

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

In the U.S. territories, a bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes two. At institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and whether you attend full time. Programs with clinical, laboratory, or required fieldwork may take longer. Careful planning can help.

Graduation rates show that completing is not automatic: the average rate is 43.84%, compared with 63.6% among the top 10% of schools. Rates average 47.95% for women and 37.43% for men. These figures describe reported outcomes, not your individual chances.

• Ask whether AP, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits can count toward your degree requirements.
• Use summer or winter classes, or take an extra course when manageable and available.
• Meet an adviser early to map prerequisites and avoid delays from once-yearly course offerings.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in the USA Territories have a median alumni salary of about $22,662. At schools in the top 10%, the median rises to about $36,504. These figures offer a useful benchmark, though your earnings will depend on your degree, experience, and the local job market.

Whether you study at the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, the University of the Virgin Islands, or another territorial institution, your degree can be a positive step toward building your career close to home. Comparing programs and career opportunities in your chosen field can help you make the most of your education.

People also ask

How many universities are there in America Territories?

There isn't a single reliable count without defining "America Territories" and what qualifies as a university. Counts can differ depending on whether they include only institutions named "university" or also colleges and other degree-granting institutions across U.S. territories. For an accurate total, the territories and institution types would need to be specified.

What is the largest university in America Territories?

By enrollment across an institution-wide system, the University of Puerto Rico is a leading candidate: it is a public university system with multiple campuses. "Largest" can mean enrollment, campus size, or land area, however, so the answer may differ by measure. Its range of campuses may offer students a welcoming choice of settings and programs.

How many universities are there in America Territories?

This question repeats the first one, so the same qualification applies: there is no dependable single total until "America Territories" and "universities" are clearly defined. If you mean accredited degree-granting institutions in the U.S. territories, specifying which territories and whether colleges count would make it possible to give a meaningful number.

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

Located in Mayagüez, the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is a university in western Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. Its 10,618 enrolled students make it the largest institution in this group. The 49% graduation rate and 57% acceptance rate offer planning benchmarks for prospective students. Total study cost is listed at $5,024, and median alumni salary is $32,781. For students living in the U.S. territories, it offers a nearby place to pursue a degree while considering affordability, campus scale, and outcomes.

On St. Thomas, the University of the Virgin Islands gives students a small-campus option in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. territory. Enrollment is 1,863, smaller than at the Puerto Rico institutions listed here. Its 99% acceptance rate may interest applicants seeking broad access, while the 28% graduation rate is a completion measure to investigate alongside program support. Study cost is $15,900, and median alumni salary is $39,669. Students can compare island living, affordability, and career outcomes before selecting a degree.

Located in Arecibo on Puerto Rico's northern coast, this University of Puerto Rico campus offers students a territorial public-university setting. It enrolls 2,736 students, creating a smaller-scale alternative to the Mayagüez institution in this group. The 52% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, while acceptance is 59%. Total study cost is $5,024, and median alumni salary is $16,911. U.S. territory residents can consider its location, completion record, and cost when choosing a nearby degree program to study.

The University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is located in the central mountain town of Cayey, offering a campus choice beyond the island's urban areas. It has 2,093 enrolled students, a 50% graduation rate, and a 53% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $5,024, with median alumni salary of $16,711. For students from Puerto Rico or elsewhere in the U.S. territories, these figures help frame affordability, admissions prospects, completion, and potential earnings while pursuing a degree close to home.

Situated in Humacao on Puerto Rico's eastern side, the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao provides another territorial campus option for students seeking a degree. Enrollment is 2,541. Its 47% graduation rate and 55% acceptance rate give applicants two measures to examine when comparing access and persistence. Total study cost is $5,024, and median alumni salary is $15,511. For U.S. territory residents, the campus may be worth comparing with other island choices for location, educational cost, and post-college earnings, career options.