Most
Affordable Colleges in USA Territories in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in U.S. territories offers practical preparation for organizations serving local and global markets. Courses typically include accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, and entrepreneurship. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, accountant, or operations manager. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico's Río Piedras campus, the University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands, each with business programs and career support services.

Psychology

Studying psychology in the U.S. territories offers coursework in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, social psychology, and counseling. Students examine behavior across cultures while building assessment and communication skills. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands. Graduates commonly pursue roles as case managers, behavioral health technicians, research assistants, or community support workers.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in U.S. territories combines programming, mathematics, and technology training, often in English and Spanish in Puerto Rico. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, cybersecurity, networking, and computer systems. Graduates commonly pursue software developer, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist, database administrator, or IT support roles. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, and University of Guam, where students can explore computing degrees.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in the U.S. territories combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue work as school counselors, mental health counselors, career counselors, case managers, or community support specialists, subject to local licensing rules. Study options include the University of Guam, plus Puerto Rico's University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras and Inter American University of Puerto Rico, which provide counseling-related graduate training.

Nursing

Studying nursing in the U.S. territories combines classroom learning, simulation, and clinical practice, preparing students for licensure. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, mental health, and community health. Students may explore programs at the University of Puerto Rico's Medical Sciences Campus, University of Guam, University of the Virgin Islands, and Northern Marianas College. Graduates work as registered nurses, practical nurses, clinic nurses, school nurses, or public-health nurses, with licensure.

Best Colleges in the USA Territories Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 5760.0, compared with 12025.0 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 6265.0.
• Financial aid is reported for an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 68.83% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 68.83%. Schools receive an average of 992.22 applicants overall, while schools in the top 10% receive an average of 2587.0.
• The median number of applicants is 171.0 men and 266.0 women.
• Average test scores are 965.75 on the SAT and 17.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 2483.46; averages by gender are 155.22 men and 223.55 women.
• The average graduation rate is 43.52% overall and 61.7% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 35.5% for men and 47.0% for women.
• There are 58 institutions offering associate's degrees, 67 offering bachelor's degrees, 44 offering master's degrees, and 17 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 64 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total study costs and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates. Consider how the overall figures differ from those for schools in the top 10%, and review the gender-specific applicant and graduation statistics when relevant to your priorities.

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

The reported average total cost of studying in the U.S. territories is $7,158.48. The accompanying average figures are $7,012.12 for tuition and fees, $8,147.83 for room and board, and $2,121.95 for books and supplies. These separate averages exceed the stated total when added together, so treat them as individual reference points rather than one itemized budget.

• Tuition and fees: $7,012.12 on average.
• Room and board: $8,147.83 on average.
• Books and supplies: $2,121.95 on average.

Your actual expenses will depend on your institution, housing choice, course materials, and personal needs. Before enrolling, ask the college for a current cost estimate and check whether campus housing, meal plans, financial aid, or payment plans are available. Students can explore institutions such as the University of Guam, the University of the Virgin Islands, Northern Marianas College, and University of Puerto Rico campuses. Comparing options across the islands can help you find a program and living arrangement that fit your goals and budget. With careful planning, pursuing a degree closer to home can feel more manageable and exciting.

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

Most bachelor's students in the U.S. territories should plan on four years of full-time study, while associate degrees commonly take two; part-time study can take longer. At institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands, your timeline depends on program requirements, course availability, and whether you attend year-round.

Graduation data show that completing a degree is not automatic: the average graduation rate is 43.52%, compared with 61.7% at the top 10% of schools. The averages are 36.85% for men and 47.81% for women. You can improve your pace and feel encouraged by checking these options with your adviser:

• Transfer previously earned credits or exam credits, such as AP or CLEP, after confirming acceptance.
• Take summer courses or heavier loads when available, while protecting time for work, family, and rest.
• Ask about accelerated, online, and course-sequencing options so required classes fit your schedule.

Salary

After graduating from college in the USA Territories, a useful broad benchmark is a median alumni salary of $22,781. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is $36,504. These figures can help you picture possible earnings, though your own salary will depend on your field, experience, and where you find work.

Students attending institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, or the University of the Virgin Islands can pursue paths in areas such as health, education, business, and technology. Comparing programs, career services, and local job opportunities can help you choose a degree that fits your goals - and feel more confident about the possibilities after graduation.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in America Territories?

There is no single cost: tuition and fees vary by college, program, and residency, and your total budget may also include books, housing, meals, and travel. The good news is that comparing each school's published cost of attendance - and subtracting any grants or scholarships you receive - can give you a clearer, personal estimate before you enroll.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in the USA Territories Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is a university campus in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory where students can pursue a degree without leaving the island region. It enrolls 10,618 students, with a 57% acceptance rate and a 49% graduation rate. Listed total study cost is $5,024, and median alumni salary is $32,781. Its Mayaguez setting and academic community offer a distinctive Caribbean campus experience for territory-based students considering affordability, access, and postgraduation earnings when comparing college options across the U.S. territories.

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is a university campus in Puerto Rico, giving U.S. territory residents an option to earn a degree close to home. It enrolls 2,736 students and reports a 59% acceptance rate, a 52% graduation rate, total study cost of $5,024, and median alumni salary of $16,911. Its Arecibo location connects campus life with a northern Puerto Rico community. For prospective students comparing territory-based choices, these figures offer context on access, completion, affordability, and outcomes before making enrollment decisions.

University of the Virgin Islands is a public university serving the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering territory residents a way to pursue higher education within the Caribbean. It enrolls 1,863 students, with a 99% acceptance rate and a 28% graduation rate. Listed total study cost is $15,900, while median alumni salary is $39,669. Its island setting gives students a distinctive community-centered college experience. Applicants should weigh the comparatively high reported cost alongside strong admissions access and the listed postgraduation salary measure overall.

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is a campus in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, and may suit students seeking a degree within the island's higher-education network. It enrolls 2,093 students, with a 53% acceptance rate and a 50% graduation rate. The listed total study cost is $5,024; median alumni salary is $16,711. Cayey's location offers a distinct inland Puerto Rican setting for campus life. Prospective students can compare these figures when balancing admission chances, completion, cost, and career outcomes there.

University of Puerto Rico-Utuado is a small university campus in Puerto Rico, offering students in the U.S. territory a close-to-home route to higher education. Its enrollment is 334, with a 64% acceptance rate and a 23% graduation rate. Listed total study cost is $5,024, and median alumni salary is $16,943. Utuado's smaller student body may appeal to applicants who prefer a less populous campus environment. Compare its access, completion, cost, and salary figures with other Puerto Rican options before choosing carefully.