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University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez vs Atenas University: which has better ROI?

Public, Mayaguez PR · vs · Private nonprofit, Manati PR

The verdict

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,744 in 113.5 years versus not at all at Atenas University, on median earnings of $48,992 vs $20,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Puerto Rico-MayaguezAtenas University
Net price / yr$17,936$5,818
Total net cost$71,744$11,636
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,992$20,231
Median debt$8,250$6,525
Payback113.5 yrs
20-year net return-$59,104-$574,216

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez or Atenas University?

Atenas University, at $5,818 a year after aid versus $17,936 — a gap of $12,118 a year, or $60,108 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez or Atenas University graduates earn more?

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez graduates report a median $48,992 ten years after entry, $28,761 more than the $20,231 at Atenas University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez or Atenas University?

Atenas University: its completers carry a median $6,525 in federal loans versus $8,250 at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, a difference of $1,725. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, against 42% at Atenas University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez vs Atenas University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez or Atenas University a better value?
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. It clears its $71,744 net cost in about 113.5 years versus no clear payback at Atenas University, on median earnings of $48,992 vs $20,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez or Atenas University?
Atenas University: $5,818/yr net price after aid versus $17,936/yr at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez — a difference of $12,118 a year, or about $60,108 over four years.
Do University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez or Atenas University graduates earn more?
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez graduates earn a median $48,992 ten years after entry, versus $20,231 at Atenas University — a $28,761 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.