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University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

#361 in US ranking Arecibo, PR
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo award
University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo award

Cost

Cost / year
$19,945
Tuition & fees
$6,308
Avg. aid
$6,725
Receiving aid
89%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
59%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
52%
Median salary
$16,911
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?

The University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo (UPRA) was established in 1967 as the Colegio Regional de Arecibo. Its development from a regional college into a University of Puerto Rico campus helps explain its present mix of undergraduate programs and its close connection to the surrounding area.

UPRA is part of the public University of Puerto Rico system, but it is a distinct campus. Applicants comparing programs, admissions rules, or services across the system should use information specific to Arecibo rather than assume that a policy at another UPR campus applies here.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?

UPRA offers undergraduate study across sciences, technology, health, education, business, and the humanities and social sciences. Its academic offerings include programs associated with nursing, computer and information sciences, industrial technology, teacher education, accounting, communication technologies, and veterinary technology.

That breadth does not mean every subject is available at every degree level. A prospective student should check UPRA's current academic catalog for the exact credential, required courses, clinical or laboratory components, and department responsible for a particular program. This matters especially in fields such as nursing and teacher education, where completing a degree and meeting professional licensing requirements are separate questions.

What is the location of University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?

UPRA is in Arecibo, on Puerto Rico's northern coast. It serves students in the city and surrounding municipalities; its reported student population is entirely commuter-based.

For many applicants, transportation will therefore be part of the academic plan. Before enrolling, it is worth comparing class and laboratory schedules with travel time, parking arrangements, and any available public transportation. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, near San Juan, is the principal airport for students traveling to Puerto Rico, but it is not adjacent to campus.

What is the mission and vision of University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?

UPRA's stated educational purpose is to provide higher education within the public University of Puerto Rico system while serving Puerto Rico's academic, professional, and community needs. Its range of liberal arts, science, technical, and professional programs reflects that broad purpose.

Students evaluating the institution's mission should look at how it appears in the program they intend to enter: curriculum requirements, practical training, research opportunities, and community activities can differ substantially by department. UPRA is a public institution, not a religiously affiliated college.

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University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Public

Setting type

City: Small

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

School type

Four-year college

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1967

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Accreditation

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo 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.

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Programs and Degrees

iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree

Data last updated on November 5, 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.

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