Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro
San Juan, Puerto Rico · Private Nonprofit · 69.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 20/100 · Poor Value
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro scores 20 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale. The data completeness is 0.8 -- Scorecard does not report 6-year earnings, debt-to-earnings ratio, or repayment rates for this institution, which means several subscores are imputed estimates. What is known: the completion rate is 38.8%, median 10-year earnings are $30,821, and the payback period cannot be calculated (coded 999). Net price of $9,788 is low in absolute terms, but low cost does not produce good ROI when completion rates are low and earnings are modest. The institution serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (66.5%) in San Juan. Tuition of $5,780 is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Psychology (49 graduates, $37,149 year-four) and Social Work (15 graduates, $35,517 year-four) carry B+ and B grades respectively -- the two strongest programs in the portfolio. Accounting ($28,872 year-one) and Natural Sciences ($30,631 year-one) are marginal. Biology ($13,624 year-one, D-grade) and Music ($15,884 year-one, D-grade) are the weakest performers. The 38.8% completion rate is the central problem: fewer than 4 in 10 students graduate.
The data raises concerns about Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score20/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate38.8% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period>50 years - Graduates earn at or near the level of high school completers — the cost may not recoup within a working career.
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $5,780/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $5,780/yr |
| Average net price | $9,788/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $39,152 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,821 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | N/A |
| Median debt at graduation | $10,975 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $116 |
| Estimated payback period | >50 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 38.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,607 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro is $5,780/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $9,788/year, or roughly $39,152 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,272/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay N/A/year.
The median graduate leaves with $10,975 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $116 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $30,821 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is N/A - (insufficient data to assess).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,272 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,966 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,229 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,972 |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $9,272 net price at IAU-Metro. This is a very low absolute cost. However, 38.8% of students do not graduate, and those who do earn a median of $30,821 at 10 years -- modest even in Puerto Rico's lower cost-of-living context. Repayment data is not reported by Scorecard. Low-income students face both a completion-rate risk and limited earnings upside.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30001-48000 bracket pays $9,966, rising to $12,229 for the 48001-75000 bracket. These costs are low, but the 38.8% completion rate and limited earnings trajectory mean that the financial case for enrollment depends heavily on whether the student completes. Scorecard does not report net price for the 110001-plus bracket.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Scorecard does not report net price for the 110001-plus bracket at this institution. Higher-income students are unlikely to be the primary population at this institution given its Pell grant rate of 66.5%. For any income bracket, the institutional ROI is poor absent a deliberate strategy to be among the minority of students who graduate and enter a well-paying field.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $30,659 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $43,718 | D |
| Psychology | $37,149 | B+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,894 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $39,523 | D |
| Accounting | $40,374 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $26,682 | - |
| Natural Sciences | $36,327 | C+ |
| Entrepreneurship | $38,200 | - |
| Marketing | $23,913 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Psychology
Psychology (49 graduates) earns B+-grade ROI at this institution: year-four earnings of $37,149, median debt of $10,999, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.296. The low median debt (relative to most U.S. institutions) combined with year-four earnings of $37,149 creates a manageable ratio in the Puerto Rico labor market context. Year-one data is not reported by Scorecard.
Accounting
Accounting (24 graduates) earns C+-grade ROI: $28,872 year-one, $40,374 year-four, median debt of $15,499, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.537. The year-four trajectory to $40k is limited relative to mainland accounting wages, but reflects Puerto Rico's local compensation structure. Debt-to-earnings is manageable given the low tuition.
Biology
Biology (85 graduates) earns D-grade ROI: $13,624 year-one, $30,659 year-four, median debt of $11,000, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.807. Year-one earnings of $13,624 are extremely low -- likely reflecting the large proportion of biology graduates pursuing graduate or professional school in Puerto Rico. The D grade signals that near-term financial outcomes are poor for this program.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | N/A | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | N/A | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | N/A | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | N/A | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 69.7% |
| Enrollment | 2,607 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 66.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $5,927 |
IAU-Metro admits 69.7% of applicants. Scorecard does not report test score data. Admission is accessible but completion is the challenge. A 38.8% graduation rate means the majority of students who enroll will not earn a degree, which transforms any financial investment in the school into a net loss for non-completers.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
IAU-Metro's Scorecard peer group includes Universidad Adventista de las Antillas and Atlantic University -- institutions that share the Puerto Rico private nonprofit context. Compared to mainland peers, IAU-Metro's outcomes are constrained by Puerto Rico's wage structure, which is substantially lower than mainland U.S. wages. The 38.8% completion rate is a systemic challenge at many Puerto Rico institutions. Families researching alternatives should compare public University of Puerto Rico campuses, which have lower sticker prices and may offer different completion trajectories.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro (this school) | 20 | $9,788 | $30,821 |
| Lee University | 27 | $18,878 | $43,222 |
| Atlantic University | 26 | $6,425 | $25,272 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies | 24 | $20,473 | $47,327 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago | 21 | $49,790 | $40,151 |
| Universidad Adventista de las Antillas | 11 | $9,919 | $28,465 |
Who Thrives Here
Inter American University-Metro admits 69.7% of applicants -- moderately selective. Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT score data. Enrollment of 2,607 in San Juan, PR. Pell grant rate of 66.5% is among the highest in the CampusROI database, reflecting a predominantly low-income student body. The institution serves Puerto Rico's working and first-generation college population. The 38.8% graduation rate is the critical barrier; students and families should have a clear support plan before enrolling.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro. With a net cost of $9,788 per year and median graduate earnings of only $30,821 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds >50 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 38.8% graduation rate and a long payback period.
Median debt of $10,975 against $30,821 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.