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Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

#1513 in US ranking Ponce, PR
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$18,987
Tuition & fees
$6,770
Avg. aid
$8,479
Receiving aid
96%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
98%
SAT range
1195–1360

Outcomes

Graduation rate
49%
Median salary
$19,075
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is a private Catholic university in Ponce. Founded in 1948 as the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, it later received pontifical status, a designation reflecting its relationship with the Catholic Church.

The institution has grown beyond its original undergraduate focus to offer graduate and professional education, including law and architecture. Applicants should distinguish the Ponce campus from the university's other locations: a program offered elsewhere in the university system is not necessarily available in Ponce.

What are the faculties and departments at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?

The Ponce university offers studies across the humanities, sciences, education, business, health-related fields, architecture, and professional education. Its academic offerings span undergraduate and graduate credentials; applicants should check the current program directory for the degree level and campus attached to a particular major.

Examples of fields represented in its academic offerings include biology, psychology, social work, accounting, nursing, communications, visual and performing arts, and architecture. Professional paths can involve requirements beyond admission to the university. A student considering nursing, architecture, teaching, or another licensed occupation should check the program's admissions rules and the applicable licensing requirements before enrolling.

What is the location of Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?

The main campus is in Ponce, on Puerto Rico's southern coast. This setting may suit students who want to study in the Ponce area, but applicants should account for travel between classes, placements, work, and home when comparing programs.

Mercedita Airport serves Ponce. Students traveling from farther away should check flight and ground-transportation options rather than assume that an airport connection will be convenient for their schedule. Because the university also operates at other Puerto Rico locations, confirm where required courses and student services for a chosen program are delivered.

What is the mission and vision of Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?

The university describes its educational purpose in Catholic and humanistic terms, bringing academic and professional study together with ethical and spiritual formation. Its pontifical identity is part of its institutional mission, not a statement that every student must pursue religious study.

Prospective students can expect the religious affiliation to be visible in some campus activities, including liturgies. The practical question for a particular major is how its curriculum combines general education, disciplinary study, and any faith-related requirements; the current catalog is the appropriate place to check those requirements.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Midsize

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

5,000 - 9,999

Religious affiliation

Catholic (Roman Catholic Church)

School type

University

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1948

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Accreditation

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Programs and Degrees

iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

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.