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

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Puerto Rico comes closer — median earnings $34,409 against a $33,936 total, vs $20,231 at Atenas University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Puerto RicoAtenas University
Net price / yr$8,484$5,818
Total net cost$33,936$11,636
Median earnings, 10 yrs$34,409$20,231
Median debt$5,500$6,525
Payback
20-year net return-$312,956-$574,216

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

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

Atenas University, at $5,818 a year after aid versus $8,484 — a gap of $2,666 a year, or $22,300 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 or Atenas University graduates earn more?

University of Puerto Rico graduates report a median $34,409 ten years after entry, $14,178 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 or Atenas University?

University of Puerto Rico: its completers carry a median $5,500 in federal loans versus $6,525 at Atenas University, a difference of $1,025. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

42% of students finish at Atenas University, against 37% at University of Puerto Rico. 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 vs Atenas University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Puerto Rico or Atenas University a better value?
University of Puerto Rico comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, University of Puerto Rico or Atenas University?
Atenas University: $5,818/yr net price after aid versus $8,484/yr at University of Puerto Rico — a difference of $2,666 a year, or about $22,300 over four years.
Do University of Puerto Rico or Atenas University graduates earn more?
University of Puerto Rico graduates earn a median $34,409 ten years after entry, versus $20,231 at Atenas University — a $14,178 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.