University of Puerto Rico (UPR)

San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States · Est. 1903 · Public University

Puerto Rico's premier public university system with 11 campuses and 44,200+ students across 450+ academic programs.

  • Founded 1903 as Escuela Normal; established as University of Puerto Rico on March 12, 1903
  • Public university system with 11 autonomous campuses across Puerto Rico
  • 44,233 students and 4,448 faculty members (2022–2023 academic year)
  • 472 academic programs including 32 doctorates, 123 master's degrees, 246 bachelor's degrees, and 35 associate degrees
  • Ranked #40 in Latin America (QS 2022); #1 in Caribbean (Webometrics); R2 research classification
  • Generates 90% of Puerto Rico's research output; received $87+ million in research funding (2007–2008)

Academics

UPR offers over 450 academic programs across 11 campuses, including 35 associate degrees, 246 bachelor's degrees, 123 master's degrees, 43 doctorates, 1 Juris Doctor, and 22 certifications. Key disciplines include engineering, computer science, medicine, pharmacy, law, business administration, architecture, education, and sciences. The Mayagüez campus houses the only engineering school in the system, accredited by ABET, graduating over 600 engineers annually and recognized as the top engineering school for Hispanics by Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology Magazine.

Research & Innovation

UPR is classified as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity. The system generates 90% of Puerto Rico's research output through federal funding from NSF, NIH, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2010, UPR received over $25 million from NSF for nanotechnology research via Puerto Rico EPSCoR, which has accumulated $180+ million in research support over 24 years. Approximately 25% of Hispanic employees hired by NASA are UPR graduates.

Campus & Student Life

The 11-campus system spans municipalities including San Juan (Río Piedras and Medical Sciences), Mayagüez, Bayamón, Arecibo, Humacao, Cayey, Carolina, Aguadilla, Ponce, and Utuado. All campuses participate in the Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria (LAI), offering diverse sports programs including athletics, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, and martial arts. The system maintains campus radio (WRTU), libraries, botanical gardens, and distance education programs.

Admissions & Financial Aid

UPR maintains a 67% system-wide admission rate and over 90% enrollment rate. Undergraduate tuition is $157 per credit (expected to rise to $177 by 2027); graduate tuition is $300 per credit. Approximately 80% of students receive full tuition coverage through Certificación 4, a financial aid model combining institutional and federal scholarships. The university serves domestic and international students with pathways for new admissions, transfers, readmissions, and graduate study.

Accreditation & Rankings

UPR holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Global rankings include QS World (801–1000 bracket) and Times Higher Education (801–1000 bracket). Regionally, UPR ranks #40 in Latin America (QS 2022), #18 overall in Latin America (Webometrics), and #1 in the Caribbean (Webometrics). The engineering school at Mayagüez is ABET-accredited.

Founded
1903
Type
Public University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttps://upr.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$29.5K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources