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Caribbean University-Ponce

#2376 in US ranking Ponce, PR
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$18,839
Tuition & fees
$10,725
Avg. aid
$5,323
Receiving aid
97%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
37%
Median salary
$24,723
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Caribbean University-Ponce?

Caribbean University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Accreditation applies to the university as an institution; Ponce is a campus of that institution, rather than a separately accredited university.

Institutional accreditation is relevant to federal financial-aid eligibility and signals that the university is subject to external review. It does not mean that another college must accept a particular course in transfer, or that a degree automatically meets professional licensing rules. Applicants to nursing, education, engineering, social work, or other regulated fields should check the current accreditation or approval status of the specific program and the requirements of the jurisdiction where they intend to work.

What are the admission requirements at Caribbean University-Ponce?

Caribbean University-Ponce reports an open-admission policy for entering students. Applicants should nevertheless expect to document high school completion or an accepted equivalent, such as a GED credential, and complete the university's admissions process. Open admission is not a promise of entry into every major or of immediate placement in every course.

Program entry can involve requirements distinct from general admission, particularly where clinical training, fieldwork, or a prescribed course sequence is involved. An applicant should obtain the current Ponce application checklist and ask whether official transcripts, placement measures, health documentation, or program-specific approvals are needed. The institution reports that it accepts Advanced Placement credit, but applicants should confirm the required score and how an award would apply to their degree plan.

What are the application fees and waivers at Caribbean University-Ponce?

Applicants should confirm the current Caribbean University-Ponce application charge with admissions before submitting an application. An application charge is separate from tuition, enrollment-related payments, and any later program expenses.

Students seeking a waiver should ask admissions whether one is offered for their applicant category, what documentation is required, and whether approval must be obtained before payment. A waiver offered for a particular recruitment event or application method should not be assumed to apply to every applicant.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Caribbean University-Ponce?

Applicants should not assume that Caribbean University-Ponce operates an Army, Air Force, or Navy ROTC unit on its campus. Participation through another institution would be a separate cross-enrollment arrangement, subject to that host program's rules and a workable travel schedule.

A student considering ROTC should obtain confirmation from both the Ponce registrar and the prospective host unit that participation and any military-science coursework can fit the degree plan. ROTC scholarships have separate selection and eligibility rules, and some participation paths carry a future service obligation; neither follows automatically from college admission.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Caribbean University-Ponce?

Caribbean University-Ponce generally accepts transfer credit from other accredited institutions, but admission as a transfer student and acceptance of individual courses are separate decisions. The university must evaluate how prior coursework fits the chosen degree.

A transfer applicant should arrange for official transcripts from every college attended and request a written evaluation showing which courses meet general-education, major, and elective requirements. Ask specifically about minimum grades, limits on transferable credits, required coursework at Caribbean University, and whether the intended Ponce program has its own entry rules. A course accepted for elective credit may still leave a required major course to be completed.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Caribbean University-Ponce?

Students interested in study abroad through Caribbean University-Ponce should establish whether a proposed opportunity is university-run, offered through a partner, or arranged independently. Those routes can have different rules for credit, tuition, and aid.

Before paying a program deposit, obtain written academic approval identifying how each course would count toward the degree. The registrar and financial-aid office should also confirm enrollment status and whether the student's particular aid can be used. This is especially important in tightly sequenced majors, where a semester away could delay a required course or placement.

How to Apply to Caribbean University-Ponce

Early Decision

No

Early Action

No

Caribbean University-Ponce First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 42

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 42
Transfer: 28

Caribbean University-Ponce Admission Requirements

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Open admission policy

Yes

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

No

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Study abroad

No

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Caribbean University-Ponce Transfer Acceptance Rate

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.