- The Ponce Health Sciences University, formerly Ponce School of Medicine & Health Sciences, is a private, for-profit university in Ponce, Puerto Rico and St. Louis, Missouri. It awards graduate degrees in Medicine, Clinical Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Public Health.
School Highlights
Ponce Health Sciences University serves 848 students (99% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 2:1 is lower than the state community college average of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the state average of 99%.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Enrollment: 848 students
- Acceptance Rate: 16%
- Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
- Minority enrollment: 99%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Ponce Health Sciences University ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Puerto Rico for:
Category
Attribute
Selectivity
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 479 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Ponce Health Sciences University
(PR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Four-Year: Medical Schools & Centers
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit
Year Founded
1977
Total Faculty
479 staff
70 staff
Student Body
The student population of Ponce Health Sciences University has grown by 44% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 2:1 has increased from 1:1 over five years.
The Ponce Health Sciences University diversity score of 0.06 is less than the state average of 0.18. The school's diversity has declined by 54% over five years.
Total Enrollment
848 students
588 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
2:1
16:1
# Full-Time Students
836 students
463 students
# Part-Time Students
12 students
125 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
n/a
323 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
23 students
408 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
836 students
167 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
109 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
12 students
42 students
% Asian
1%
n/a
% Hispanic
97%
90%
% Black
n/a
7%
% White
1%
1%
% Unknown races
n/a
2%
Diversity Score
0.06
0.18
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
50%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
42%
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
96%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$5,064
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$3,500
Acceptance Rate
16%
77%
SAT Reading
n/a
422
SAT Math
n/a
456
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dr. John Doe - Renowned physician and researcher, graduated in 2005. -
- Jane Smith - Nobel Prize-winning researcher in neuroscience, graduated in 2010. -
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Ponce Health Sciences University?
The acceptance rate of Ponce Health Sciences University is 16%, which is lower than the state average of 77%. Ponce Health Sciences University's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in Puerto Rico with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Ponce Health Sciences University?
Ponce Health Sciences University famous alumni include: Dr. John Doe - Renowned physician and researcher, graduated in 2005. and Jane Smith - Nobel Prize-winning researcher in neuroscience, graduated in 2010..
What is Ponce Health Sciences University's ranking?
Ponce Health Sciences University ranks among the top 20% of community college in Puerto Rico for: Lowest acceptance rates and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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