Best
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. Students typically study accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, human resources, and entrepreneurship. Graduates may pursue roles such as operations coordinator, marketing specialist, human resources assistant, accountant, or small-business manager. Options include the University of Guam, the University of the Virgin Islands, University of Puerto Rico's Río Piedras and Mayagüez campuses, Northern Marianas College, and American Samoa Community College.

Psychology

Studying psychology in the U.S. territories offers coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, abnormal psychology, and counseling. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and understanding behavior across cultures. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico campuses, the University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands. Graduates may pursue roles as case managers, behavioral health technicians, human services workers, research assistants, or community outreach coordinators; advanced clinical practice requires graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in the U.S. territories offers an American degree experience with regional perspectives and smaller campus communities. Courses commonly cover programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Graduates often pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or IT support professionals. Several popular colleges include the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and Río Piedras, the University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands.

Counseling

Studying counseling programs in U.S. territories combines coursework with supervised fieldwork and preparation for culturally responsive practice. Common classes include counseling theories, human development, ethics, psychological assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and clinical practicum. Graduates may pursue work as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, or case managers, subject to local licensing requirements. Popular options include the University of Guam and the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, where students can explore counseling-related programs.

Nursing

Studying nursing in the U.S. territories combines classroom learning and clinical practice in island communities. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, maternal-child nursing, mental health, and community health. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and long-term care. Popular options include the University of Puerto Rico, University of Guam, and the University of the Virgin Islands, whose programs offer pathways toward professional nursing practice and licensure.

Best Colleges in the USA Territories Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 5,760.0, compared with 12,025.0 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-ranked group substantially more expensive.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, versus 68.83% at schools in the top 10%. The average acceptance rate is 68.83%.
• Schools receive an average of 992.22 applicants, compared with 2,587.0 at top-10% schools. The median applicant counts are 171 male applicants and 266 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 965.75 on the SAT and 17.0 on the ACT. The average number of enrolled students is 2,448.09, including averages of 155.22 men and 223.55 women.
• The average graduation rate is 43.84%, while it is 63.6% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 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 total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, applicant competition, test scores, and enrollment. Also consider graduation outcomes - including the differences in median rates for men and women - and whether the institution offers the degree level you want. Top-10% schools have higher costs and stronger average graduation rates, so weigh those factors against your own priorities.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in the U.S. territories is $7,158.48. For students planning a degree, this figure offers a useful starting point, but actual expenses can differ by island, institution, program, and personal living arrangements.

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

These amounts are separate averages, so don't add them together as though they describe one student's bill. Check the current cost breakdown directly with the college you're considering, and ask about financial aid, housing, and required course materials. That can help you build a realistic budget before enrolling.

There are several ways to pursue higher education close to home. You might explore the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, or the University of the Virgin Islands; students in other territories can also look at institutions such as Northern Marianas College or American Samoa Community College. Comparing programs and campus costs can help you find a route that fits your goals and budget. With a clear estimate and the right support, taking the next step toward a degree can feel exciting and manageable.

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

In the U.S. territories, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree often takes about two. At institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, or the University of the Virgin Islands, timelines vary with course availability and whether you study full- or part-time. The average graduation rate is 43.84%; the average among the top 10% of schools is 63.6%. Rates are 37.43% for men and 47.95% for women. These figures describe groups, not your individual outcome.

You may be able to finish sooner by bringing in eligible Advanced Placement, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits, taking summer classes, choosing a heavier course load, or using an accelerated program. Before enrolling, ask a college how credits apply to your specific degree and whether required courses are offered when you need them. A clear plan can help you make the most of your time and feel more confident as you work toward graduation.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in the U.S. territories have a median alumni salary of about $22,662. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is about $36,504. These figures offer a useful benchmark, but your own earnings can vary with your degree, occupation, work experience, and where you find a job.

For students studying in places such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa, local opportunities and career paths may differ. Examples of institutions include the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Guam, the University of the Virgin Islands, Northern Marianas College, and American Samoa Community College. Comparing programs, internships, and employment options in your chosen field can help you plan for the kind of career - and income - you hope to build.

• The median alumni salary of about $22,662 is a broad reference point, not a guaranteed salary for new graduates.
• The top-10% school median of about $36,504 shows that alumni earnings can be higher at some institutions.
• Choosing a program connected to your career goals can help you make the most of the opportunities available in the territories and beyond.

People also ask

What is the best college in America Territories?

There is no single agreed-upon "best" college across the U.S. territories; the right choice depends on your program, budget, and preferred location. The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, is a strong option to investigate, especially for a broad range of academic programs and a large public-university setting. Compare programs and student support before deciding.

What is the biggest college in America Territories?

If "biggest" means student enrollment, the University of Puerto Rico system is the strongest candidate for the largest higher-education institution in the territories. It is a multi-campus public university system, rather than one college campus, so comparisons can change depending on whether you mean the whole system or an individual campus.

How many colleges are there in America Territories?

There is no dependable single total without defining what counts as a college - for example, whether to include vocational schools, branch campuses, or institutions that do not grant degrees. Puerto Rico has many institutions, while Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands have fewer. Check current accreditation and program listings for the territory you're considering.

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

Located in Mayagüez, the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez offers a territory-based option for U.S. students seeking a degree in Puerto Rico. With 10,618 enrolled students, it is the largest school in this group. Its 49% graduation rate and 57% acceptance rate offer useful context when comparing admissions and outcomes. Total study cost is $5,024, while median alumni salary is $32,781. Mayagüez gives students a university setting within the U.S. territory, with a substantial student community and accessible costs for study.

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is a smaller campus option in Puerto Rico for U.S. territory residents considering local higher education. It enrolls 2,736 students, with a 52% graduation rate and 59% acceptance rate. The listed total cost is $5,024, and median alumni salary is $16,911. These figures can help applicants weigh affordability, admission prospects, and post-graduation earnings alongside program fit. Located in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, Arecibo offers a campus-based path without leaving the territories to study near home.

The University of the Virgin Islands provides a degree-seeking option in the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it particularly relevant to students who want to study within a U.S. territory. It enrolls 1,863 students and reports a 28% graduation rate, the lowest among these five schools. Its 99% acceptance rate is the highest in this group. Total cost is $15,900, and median alumni salary is $39,669. Its island setting offers a distinct U.S. territorial experience for students comparing regional study options.

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is a Puerto Rico campus for U.S. territory students seeking a degree in a smaller university community. Enrollment is 2,093, and the school reports a 50% graduation rate with a 53% acceptance rate. Its listed total study cost is $5,024, while median alumni salary is $16,711. For applicants comparing local choices, Cayey's figures provide a snapshot of access, completion, and post-college earnings. Studying in Puerto Rico lets territory-based students consider a nearby option.

University of Puerto Rico-Humacao is another territory-based choice for U.S. students pursuing higher education in Puerto Rico. It has 2,541 enrolled students, a 47% graduation rate, and a 55% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of study is $5,024, while median alumni salary is $15,511. These details help prospective students compare affordability and outcomes with other campuses across the U.S. territories. Humacao offers a local university setting for learners who may prefer to remain near home while earning a degree.