Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Cayey, Puerto Rico
95.8% Acceptance Rate
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
95.8%Acceptance Rate
978Avg SAT
$15,746Annual Cost
$30,958Grad Salary
75.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.8%
Avg SAT
978
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
858–1098
Avg Net Price
$9,148
Need-Based Aid
75.7% receive Pell
University of Puerto Rico-Cayey The University of Puerto Rico-Cayey, established in 1967, is a public liberal arts college within the prestigious University of Puerto Rico system. The 170-acre campus in Puerto Rico's central mountains offers undergraduate programs emphasizing undergraduate research across disciplines. UPR-Cayey maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly known for its biology and environmental science programs that utilize the surrounding mountain ecosystems. Campus facilities include the modern Biological Sciences Building and the Jos? M. L?zaro Library with extensive Caribbean studies collections.
UPR-Cayey takes pride in its commitment to undergraduate education and research opportunities for all students. The campus serves as an important cultural and educational resource for central Puerto Rico. Students benefit from internship programs with local industries and government agencies. Recent initiatives include expanded STEM research facilities and sustainability projects. UPR-Cayey's combination of academic quality, mountain setting, and focus on undergraduate research makes it a distinctive institution within Puerto Rico's higher education landscape.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Acceptance Rate
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPRC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 95.8%, 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 95.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UPRC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Puerto Rico at Cayey's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPRC) Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into UPRC Without SAT or ACT?
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Average SAT Score: 978
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is 978 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 978 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 978 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1098 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Puerto Rico at Cayey allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 858, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UPRC. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 481 | 420 | 541 |
| SAT Reading | 498 | 438 | 557 |
| SAT Composite | 978 | 858 | 1098 |
It means that if you have scored less than 858 then you are below most of the admitted students at UPRC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1098 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 1000
Can I get into University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPRC) with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPRC) are good but the admission staff at UPRC 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UPRC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
UPRC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Meet Eligibility Floors
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Placement Preparation
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
Transfer Path Planning
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Career Certification
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by UPRC that connect directly to the local job market.
Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.
UPRC Profile
Full Name
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPRC)
City
Cayey
State
Puerto Rico
ZIP Code
00737-2230
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a UPRC Degree Worth It?
Getting into UPRC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UPRC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
How much does a degree from UPRC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is $15,746. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is $9,148.
75.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 3.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UPRC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UPRC as your choice in the form.
How much does a UPRC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $30,958. An average UPRC 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | 929 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
| Union Commonwealth University | Barbourville, KY | 965 | 18 |
| Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | 955 | 17 |
| Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | 938 | 17 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
Degree Programs at UPRC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Puerto Rico at Cayey →
Frequently Asked Questions About UPRC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $30,958 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $15,746 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
75.7% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is 95.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Admission to University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 978 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 858–1098.
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.
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.
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