Last Updated: October 24, 2021
Puerto Rico - Island of Enchantment
Puerto Rico is an island situated in the northeastern part of the Caribbean Sea. The population is estimated to be roughly 2.8 million. Puerto Rico is an archipelago with a sub-national status under the authority of the United States since 1917. Puerto Rico does not have the status of a state, neither do its residents have the right to vote of the president of the US, but they do have the right to travel to the mainland without a passport or a permit. San Juan is the capital city as well as the largest city of the Commonwealth. The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English. Puerto Rico is popularly known for its rich culture and heritage, the unity and harmony among people of various races and ethnicities, and also for its natural beauty, which is why it is known as the "Island of Enchantment". With an average high temperature of 29°C and an average low of 21°C, the island experiences a warm humid climate throughout the year.
Major Cities in Puerto Rico
San Juan
With a population of about 419,000, San Juan is the largest city in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is also the capital city of the island. Founded in 1521, the city is named after the Biblical prophet, John the Baptist. The city is also popularly known as "The Walled City" and the "Capital City". The city is extremely popular as a tourist destination and is also a major economic hub. Important universities such as the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences, Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico, are situated in this city. Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, Castillo de San Cristóbal, San Juan Cathedral, Museo de las AmÃricas, are some of the most popular sites in this city.
Bayamon
With a population of about 204,000, Bayamon is the second-largest city in Puerto Rico. Popularly known as 'The City of Cowboys' and 'The City of Science', Bayamon was founded on May 22, 1772. The Inter-American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon, National University College-Bayamon, and the Universidad Central de Bayamon are some of the popular institutions of higher learning situated in this city. Some of the most popular tourist sites in the city are Josà Celso Barbosa House Museum, Plaza del Mercado de Bayamón, Parque Central de los Niños, RÃo Bayamón Golf Course, and so on.
Carolina
With a population of around 171,000, Carolina is the third-biggest city in the island of Puerto Rico. Popularly known as the "Land of Giants", it was founded in the year 1857. It is also a major transportation center because of the presence of the Luis-Munoz-Marin International Airport. Isla Verde Beach, Julia de Burgos Park, Balneario de Carolina, GalerÃa de Gigantes and Casa EscutÃ, Hacienda Campo Rico, and so on, are some of the most popular attractions in this city.
Economy/Job Market
- The economy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is driven by the sector of manufacturing. The main products of the manufacturing industry are pharmaceuticals, electronics, food and beverages, textiles, medical equipment, and so on.
- Apart from manufacturing, Puerto Rico also leads in the service sectors such as tourism, finance, hospitality, trade, and government services. This is a rapidly growing sector that is employing almost 75% of the Puerto Rican population.
- Triple-S Management Corporation, Puerto Rico Supplies Group, Inc., Evertec, Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico, Union Holdings, Inc., DSV A/S, are some of the biggest companies in Puerto Rico.
- Puerto Rico does not have a flourishing economy when compared to the other states in the United States. It is currently in a state of slow progress. The unemployment rate is declining gradually from 8.8% in March to 8.4% in August. However, the unemployment rate is seemingly lower than the national rate.
Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Puerto Rico
The cost of living is around 15% less than the national average. The cost of housing, and healthcare services are comparatively cheaper than the US average. However, the expenses for food and groceries may be slightly more expensive here.
The cost of education in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is extremely affordable. Public institutions mostly charge lower tuition fees for in-state students and double the amount for out-of-state students. However, a majority of the public institutions here are not just cost-friendly, but the difference in the in-state and out-state fees is also meager. The cost of education in private institutions is also considerably cheaper when compared to other states in the US.
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
Some of the best universities/colleges in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico are:
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Situated in the capital city of San Juan, this is a public university highly acclaimed for its educational quality and high research activity. The university was established on March 12, 1903. With almost 16,000 students and around 1,500 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Biology, Accounting, Marketing, and Psychology are popular courses offered in this university. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $5,300 and around $7,400 for out-of-state students.
- University of Puerto Rico-Cayey This is a public university located in Cayey. The university is known for its active involvement in high-quality research and also for making students participate in research. With around 3,800 students and over 200 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Accounting, Business, Biology, Psychology, and Natural Sciences are some of the most popular courses available in this university. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $3,200 and approximately $5,300 for out-of-state students.
- University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla Located in Ramey, this is another reputed public university in Puerto Rico. Established in 1972, it was originally known as Colegio Regional de Aguadilla. With about 3,200 students and about 160 staff members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. Biology, Aerospace Engineering Technician, Accounting, and Electrical Engineering Technician. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $3,200 and around $5,300 for out-of-state students.
- University of Puerto Rico-Carolina Situated in the city of Carolina, this is a well-known public university. It was originally known as 'Colegio Regional de Carolina' and 'Colegio Universitario de Carolina'. the university was established on September 23, 1974. With almost 3,800 students and over 70 professors, the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Advertising, Graphic Communication, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Hospitality and Tourism Management are some of the most popular majors offered in this university. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $4,200 and roughly $7,400 for out-of-state students.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- AXA Achievement Community Award Program:This is a scholarship program that assists meritorious students who are not only academically sound but also contribute to society. To be eligible for the program, the student must be a US citizen, a legal resident of Puerto Rico, display academic achievement, actively participate in extracurricular activities and community service, and enroll at an accredited four-year institution on a full-time basis. Along with the submission of official transcripts, the student must also submit an essay of about 600 words on the subject "Provide a brief overview which clearly conveys the impact of your one outstanding achievement." The award amount may range from $2,500 to $25,000.
- Buick Achievers Scholarship: This is a scholarship program for students who display financial need and are willing to pursue a degree in Automotive Technology, Engineering, or related fields. The student must be a US citizen, a legal resident of Puerto Rico, enroll at an accredited four-year institution on a full-time basis, demonstrate satisfactory academic performance, display leadership qualities, participate in extracurricular activities, and get involved in community service. The total award amount is about $25,000.
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund: This scholarship program is administered to assist students belonging to the Hispanic community, which will be accessible to students from high school to college graduates. The student must be a US citizen, a resident of Puerto Rico, and must be a high school graduate planning to pursue a degree from an accredited institution or a student already pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. High school graduates must have secured a minimum score of 2.5 GPA, and university/college students must secure and maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA. The students must also demonstrate economic need and submit the FAFSA. Apart from the scholarship money, this program also provides access to career counseling, personality development workshops, fitness training, and more. The award amount will range from $500-$5,000.
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards: This is a program to assist academically sound students who belong to the Hispanic community. To be qualified for the program, the student must be a US citizen, a resident of Puerto Rico, and be a high school senior graduating in the year 2022. The candidate is required to secure a minimum score of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale/7.5 on a 10.0 scale in high school, enroll at an accredited post-secondary institution, and belong to the Hispanic community. Students must submit their academic transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and submit essays based on given topics. The award amount is generally up to $1,000 and may vary each year.
Tourism
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is known as the Island of Enchantment because it has a plethora of beautiful landscapes ranging from sunny sandy beaches, rugged caves, to lush rainforests. It is also popular for its luxurious resorts and restaurants. The island, therefore, offers the best of both natural beauty as well as urban luxuries. Some of the most popular destinations out here are El Yunque National Forest, Culebra Island (Isla Culebra), Bioluminescent Bay, Luquillo Beach, Rio Camuy Caves, Mosquito Bay, and a lot more.
It will be best to avoid visiting the islands during the months of September to November as they might be affected by constant rain, storms, and hurricanes. December to May is considered to be the best time to visit Puerto Rico because of cooler temperatures and is also the busiest tourist season. Some of the most famous and delicious dishes available in the Commonwealth are Pastelillos de Carne, Arroz con Pollo, Pavochon, Pernil Asado (Roasted Pork Shoulder), Sancocho (Caribbean Beef Stew), Arroz con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas), and so on.
Universities & Colleges in Puerto Rico
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
- Recommended program (Top 250)
