Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (PUCPR) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 90.33%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Admission Requirements
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Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (PUCPR) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Average SAT Score: 1285
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is 1285 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1285 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1336 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1123, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to PUCPR. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 613 | 548 | 678 |
| SAT Reading | 617 | 575 | 658 |
| SAT Composite | 1285 | 1123 | 1336 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1123 then you are below most of the admitted students at PUCPR and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1336 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (PUCPR) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (PUCPR) are good but the admission staff at PUCPR tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
PUCPR Profile
Name: Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (PUCPR)
City: Ponce
State: Puerto Rico
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 00717-9997
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from PUCPR Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is USD: 17106. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
81.37% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 31.63 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to PUCPR and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist PUCPR as your choice in the form.
How much a PUCPR Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 24908. An average PUCPR graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Florida Southern College, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | University of South Florida, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Covenant College, GA | 1254 | 27 |
| Bradley University | Bradley University, IL | 1237 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1277 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Architecture
- Biology, General
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions About Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $24908 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $17106 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is 90.33 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1285 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1123-1336
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.