20 BEST VALUE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN PUERTO RICO

The Metro campus of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico features an active student body and fast-paced environment that is reminiscent of many of the most popular urban universities in the United States. Cafes, libraries, beautiful gardens, computer labs, and fitness centers adorn a modern campus that is replete with high-tech facilities. Students who aren't satisfied with the limitations of this spacious campus can venture out to the many popular hang out spots in Cupey, which include great dining and entertainment options that won't break the bank. And when you consider the wealth of events and activities that the school sponsors each year, including the "Sport Zone" and "Inter Metro Tiger Dance," (plus the school's extremely selective 22% acceptance rate) it's easy to see how this university is one of the best, most affordable universities in Puerto Rico.

At the end of the day, most college students are just looking for an education that will lead to a good job and a steady income. For practical students, the Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico, or simply "UniTec," is one of the best colleges in Puerto Rico and an expert in career training. Most notably, the administration recognizes that the economy is constantly changing and that "learning is not static"; as such, courses regularly evolve to keep pace with the needs of both the regional and global community. Academic programs focus on health, industrial technology, and business, and the curriculum emphasizes real-world applications - an approach that has earned UniTec a strong 68% graduation rate (the second highest on the island)!

Right off the bat, Dewey University stands out as the school with the highest graduation rate in all of Puerto Rico. At 73%, Dewey is the only college on the island with student retention and success rates that are comparable to some of the premier universities in the continental U.S. But what makes DU one of the best colleges in Puerto Rico? Students choose Dewey for its unique, intellectual campus culture, which supports engaging ventures for every academic interest. Attend informative exhibitions and seminars on U.S. history, learn new skills at an interactive 3D printing workshop, or join the transformative "Society of Student Leaders," among many other potential activities.

The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico actually consists of three campuses: one in Ponce, one in Arecibo, and a third in Mayagez. As the name suggests, the university preaches Catholic values - in fact, it was founded by two Puerto Rican bishops. The school added "Pontifical" to its title in 1991 after a visit from Pope John Paul II, who bestowed the name on the campus. Academic degrees span multiple levels and are generally career-focused; business, education, and human studies are popular majors among the student body. At the graduate level, Puerto Rican scholars can earn a reputable education from the School of Law or School of Architecture, and within the next few years the university plans to open additional programs in the cinematic arts, fashion, and graphic design.

Once just a small Catholic community college, Bayamn Central University has evolved over the past fifty years into an independent university and thriving intellectual center. Sporting triple accreditation from the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, Council of Higher Education of Puerto Rico, and the Congregation for Catholic Education, BCU has established itself as a reputable university and one of the top affordable colleges in Puerto Rico. But that doesn't mean the school has completely shed its roots; coursework closely adheres to the founders' humanistic Christian values and emphasizes both social transformation and community involvement.

If you're interested in studying music, there's simply no better place on the island than the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. The entire academic curriculum at this cheap Puerto Rican college is devoted to the study of song, harmony, and composition, offering everything from bachelor's degrees in Classical Guitar and Caribbean Music to master's degrees in Music Education and Symphony Instruments. In addition to preparing its students for successful careers as musicians, the conservatory also prioritizes community outreach and involvement. Programs encouraging music appreciation are available for children and adults alike, and annual events such as the Casals Festival include participants from across the university.

Due to the many luxurious resorts and large populations of tourists in Humacao, you might assume that the University of Puerto Rico located in the municipality is equally laid back. But don't expect to spend all your time at this top college in Puerto Rico in vacation mode; practical, in-demand degrees will also demand a lot of your time. Programs are available in Microbiology, Nursing, Industrial Chemistry, Marine Biology, Computational Mathematics, and other select degrees that uniquely position graduates to contribute to the needs of the local economy. UPRH is also well known for its modern on-campus space observatory as well as a microbial observatory funded by the National Science Foundation.

The highest-ranked campus of Inter American University on this list, Barranquitas stands apart as one of the premier colleges in central Puerto Rico. Like many of the best universities in Puerto Rico (and in the United States, for that matter), this school's primary mission is to serve the intellectual community by providing "excellence and relevance" in a diverse, socially responsible environment, while simultaneously integrating "intensive use of information technology." In other words, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Barranquitas is a high-tech school for highly motivated students. And in an effort to be both affordable and accessible, the university has begun offering free Microsoft Office packages to new students, which include Word, Outlook, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint applications.

As the third-largest public university in the Puerto Rican system, UPR Bayamon excels in both size and stature. The 68-acre campus is jam-packed with academic buildings that cater to nearly every interest, from business administration to electrical engineering to elementary education. But this affordable college in Puerto Rico is perhaps best known for the competitive athletic spirit that envelops the campus. The sports teams on campus are as numerous as they are varied and include fencing, judo, weightlifting, beach volleyball, and a dozen others - as well as a nebulous activity simply titled "fight."

Most Puerto Ricans will probably not be surprised to hear that the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras clinches the #1 spot on our ranking. The largest public research university on the island, UPR's nearly 300-acre campus supports over 18,000 students at any given time - including both undergrads and graduate scholars. Recognized as a "very high research activity" university by the Carnegie Educational Foundation and sporting a slim 28% acceptance rate, this top university in Puerto Rico is as prestigious as it is popular. Students enjoy access to the on-campus Museum of Art, History, and Anthropology as well as a dozen comprehensive schools and colleges, including the historic College of Education and the fully accredited School of Law.