Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce: Arch at the main entrance to the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Barrio Canas Urbano, Ponce, Puerto Rico (DSCF0584)
Photo: User:Mtmelendez, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

  • LocationPonce, PR
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 5,562 students
  • SponsorCatholic bishops of Puerto Rico (founded by the bishops of the Dioceses of Ponce and San Juan)
Official website

The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico was founded in 1948 at the initiative of the bishops of Ponce and San Juan; this record covers the Ponce campus. Curriculum sheets for programs in several colleges list three theology courses and two philosophy courses in general education.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Monday–Thursday12:05 PMCapilla del Espíritu Santo, Centro de Estudiantes Manuel González Pató

Confession 3

  • Monday10:00 AMChaplaincy (Capellanía) office · Available during office hours, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday10:00 AMChaplaincy (Capellanía) office · Available during office hours, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday2:00 PMChaplaincy (Capellanía) office · Available during office hours, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Horario de misas Lunes a jueves: 12:05 p.m. a 12:30 p.m. La Capilla se abre a las 8:00 a.m. para que podamos hacer la visita a Jesús.”
    The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. the chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
    “Lunes: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Martes y Jueves: 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Miércoles: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m.”
    Chaplaincy office hours are Monday 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-noon, and Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
    “Lunes: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Martes y Jueves: 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Miércoles: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m.”
    Chaplaincy office hours are Monday 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-noon, and Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
    “Lunes: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Martes y Jueves: 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Miércoles: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m.”
    Chaplaincy office hours are Monday 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-noon, and Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miCatedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: 0.7 mi1Iglesia Virgen del Rosario: 2.8 mi2Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe — 0.7 mi · Calle Unión, Ponce
  2. Iglesia Virgen del Rosario — 2.8 mi · 7, Magueyes

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

67 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year3–4 weekdays (Monday-Thursday 12:05 p.m. in the Capilla del Espíritu Santo (4 weekdays).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Horario de misas Lunes a jueves: 12:05 p.m. a 12:30 p.m. La Capilla se abre a las 8:00 a.m. para que podamos hacer la visita a Jesús.”
      The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. the chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)No weekend Mass on campus (The chaplaincy's Mass schedule page lists only the Monday-Thursday Mass.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Horario de misas Lunes a jueves: 12:05 p.m. a 12:30 p.m. La Capilla se abre a las 8:00 a.m. para que podamos hacer la visita a Jesús.”
      The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. the chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession on campusThree or more scheduled times per week (Confession is offered during chaplaincy office hours: Monday morning, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Wednesday morning and afternoon. Two pages give different Tuesday/Thursday start times (8:00 vs. 9:30 a.m.).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confesión y dirección espiritual: en horario de oficina.”
      Confession and spiritual direction are available during chaplaincy office hours.
      “Lunes: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Martes y Jueves: 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Miércoles: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m.”
      Chaplaincy office hours are Monday 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-noon, and Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
    2. Otros Servicios – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/otros-servicios · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Nota: Durante las horas de oficina estamos disponibles para confesión, dirección espiritual u otros asuntos.”
      The chaplaincy is available for confession during its office hours.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Priests are named as chaplain on official pages; the pages disagree on who: the Mass schedule page names Padre Victor Manuel Hernández Velázquez as the chaplaincy contact; the Institutional Mission page lists Fr. Luis E. Ortiz Alvarez for the chaplaincy; a student-services page names Fr. Arnaldo Ortiz Dominicci as capellán.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Padre Victor Manuel Hernández Velázquez 787.651-2000 ext. 1456 capellania@pucpr.edu”
      Padre Victor Manuel Hernández Velázquez is the chaplaincy contact; the chaplaincy email is capellania@pucpr.edu.
    2. Capellanía – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/conocenos/servicios-a-la-comunidad/capellania · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rvdo. Padre Arnaldo Ortiz Dominicci, capellán”
      A student-services page names Rev. Arnaldo Ortiz Dominicci as chaplain.
    3. Misión Institucional – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/mision-institucional · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rvdo P. Victor M Hernandez Velazquez, director Capellania Rvdo P. Luis E. Ortiz Alvarez Pastoral Universitaria Rvdo. P. Luis E. Ortiz Alvarez Sor Alejandra”
      The Institutional Mission office is directed by Rev. Victor M. Hernández Velázquez; Rev. Luis E. Ortiz Alvarez serves the chaplaincy and Pastoral Universitaria, with Sor Alejandra.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (The Capilla del Espíritu Santo opens at 8:00 a.m. for prayer visits.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Horario de misas Lunes a jueves: 12:05 p.m. a 12:30 p.m. La Capilla se abre a las 8:00 a.m. para que podamos hacer la visita a Jesús.”
      The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. the chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (7 weekly times documented: 4 Mass, 3 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
BTheology and core curriculum: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

80 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsThree or more courses (THEO 130 La Revelación Divina, THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo, and THEO 132 La Familia Cristiana are marked as general education (G). The same three courses appear on curriculum sheets checked in Business (Accounting), Arts and Humanities (Philosophy, 2026), Sciences (Biotechnology), Behavioral Sciences (Social Work) and Education (Athletic Therapy, 2026).)
    Sources (2)
    1. BBA Contabilidad curriculum sheet (PUCPR)colegios.pucpr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BBA-Contabilidad-rev.-01-2020-202040.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “THEO 130 La Revelación Divina”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists THEO 130 La Revelación Divina among general education courses.
      “THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo among general education courses.
      “THEO 132 La Familia Cristiana”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists THEO 132 La Familia Cristiana among general education courses.
      “Educación General (G)”
      Courses marked (G) on the curriculum sheet are general education requirements.
    2. Bachillerato en Artes en Filosofía curriculum sheet, 2026 (PUCPR)colegios.pucpr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Curriculo-Filosofia-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “THEO 130 (G) 3 THEO 131 (G) 3”
      The 2026 Philosophy B.A. sheet marks THEO 130 and THEO 131 as general education (G) courses; THEO 132 (G) appears in the second year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)At least one required course is explicitly Catholic theology (The required THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo is taught by the Department of Theology and Philosophy, whose mission says it trains students according to Catholic doctrine and gives all students a basic formation in the answers Christianity and the Catholic Church give to the religious dimension.)
    Sources (2)
    1. BBA Contabilidad curriculum sheet (PUCPR)colegios.pucpr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BBA-Contabilidad-rev.-01-2020-202040.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo among general education courses.
    2. Filosofia y Teologia – Colegios y Escuelascolegios.pucpr.edu/artes-y-humanidades/dept-filosofia-y-teologia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Se requiere dar, además, una formación superior a los alumnos en las propias disciplinas, según la doctrina católica, preparándolos convenientemente para el ejercicio de su vocación como cristianos.”
      The Department of Theology and Philosophy states that it forms students according to Catholic doctrine.
      “Brindar al estudiantado de la Universidad la oportunidad de una formación básica en torno de la dimensión religiosa del hombre y las respuestas que el cristianismo y la Iglesia Católica dan a esa dimensión.”
      One department objective is to give all of the university's students a basic formation in how Christianity and the Catholic Church answer the religious dimension of the human person.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (PHIL 312 (Filosofía del Hombre / Antropología Filosófica) and PHIL 340 (Ética) are general education courses; some programs add a further philosophy course (e.g., PHIL 207).)
    Sources (2)
    1. BBA Contabilidad curriculum sheet (PUCPR)colegios.pucpr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BBA-Contabilidad-rev.-01-2020-202040.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “PHIL 312 Filosofía del Hombre”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists PHIL 312 Filosofía del Hombre and PHIL 340 Ética among general education courses.
    2. Bachillerato en Artes en Filosofía curriculum sheet, 2026 (PUCPR)colegios.pucpr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Curriculo-Filosofia-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “PHIL 312 **(G) 3 PHIL 340 **(G) 3”
      The 2026 Philosophy B.A. sheet marks PHIL 312 and PHIL 340 as general education (G) courses.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredNo (The full undergraduate bachelor's list for Arts and Humanities includes a B.A. in Philosophy; no theology or religious studies bachelor's degree. Theology is offered at the graduate level (Escuela de Teología).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Bachilleratos – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/oferta-academica/subgraduados/bachilleratos · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Bachillerato en Artes (BA): Bellas Artes (P) Ciencias Políticas (P) Ciencias Políticas y Derecho (P) Estudios Hispánicos (P) Estudios Pre-Jurídicos (P) Filosofía (P) Francés (P) Historia (P) Inglés (P) Música (P) Sociología (P) Teatro y Artes Escénicas (P)”
      The Arts and Humanities bachelor's degrees include Philosophy but no theology or religious studies degree.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Misión Institucional – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/mision-institucional · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “El compromiso de esta tarea la lleva “a consagrarse, sin reservas, a la causa de la verdad” (Ex Corde Ecclesiae, 4)”
      The university's institutional mission statement cites Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
    2. Pastoral Universitaria – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “La Constitución Apostólica del Sumo Pontífice Juan Pablo II Ex corde Ecclesiae define la Pastoral Universitaria como”
      Pastoral Universitaria defines its work using Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
N/ACampus culture and residence life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture and residence life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Two to four (3 counted from the Institutional Mission page: the Delegate for Institutional Mission (a priest), the chaplaincy/Pastoral Universitaria priest, and Sor Alejandra (Pastoral Universitaria). A separate page names a different priest as chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Misión Institucional – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/mision-institucional · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rvdo P. Victor M Hernandez Velazquez, director Capellania Rvdo P. Luis E. Ortiz Alvarez Pastoral Universitaria Rvdo. P. Luis E. Ortiz Alvarez Sor Alejandra”
      The Institutional Mission office is directed by Rev. Victor M. Hernández Velázquez; Rev. Luis E. Ortiz Alvarez serves the chaplaincy and Pastoral Universitaria, with Sor Alejandra.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats offered to students each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Students For Life PUCPR is the only faith-related group in the official student association list; the chaplaincy also prepares students for the sacraments.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Asociaciones Estudiantiles – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/vida-estudiantil/asociaciones-estudiantiles · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students For Life PUCPR”
      Students For Life PUCPR is listed among student associations of the College of Arts and Humanities.
    2. Otros Servicios – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/otros-servicios · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Nota: Durante las horas de oficina estamos disponibles para confesión, dirección espiritual u otros asuntos.”
      The chaplaincy is available for confession during its office hours.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex residence halls available (Separate men's residences (San Pedro, Santa Catalina) and women's residences (Santa María Reina, Santa María del Rosario) on the Ponce campus.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residencias – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/conocenos/servicios-a-la-comunidad/residencias · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Residencias de Varones San Pedro y Santa Catalina Dos residencias localizadas dentro del recinto de Ponce.”
      Two men's residences, San Pedro and Santa Catalina, are on the Ponce campus.
      “Residencias de Señoritas Santa María Reina y Santa María del Rosario Residencias ubicadas dentro del campus de Ponce”
      Two women's residences, Santa María Reina and Santa María del Rosario, are on the Ponce campus.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Delegado para la Misión Institucional, responsible for the institution's Catholic commitment; oversees the Institute of Social Doctrine, faith-and-reason dialogue and Pastoral Universitaria.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Misión Institucional – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/mision-institucional · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “El Instituto de Doctrina Social, el Dialogo Interdisciplinario entre fe y razón y la Pastoral Universitaria están bajo la administración de esta dependencia”
      A Delegate for Institutional Mission, appointed by the president, oversees the Institute of Social Doctrine, faith-and-reason dialogue and Pastoral Universitaria.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

77 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or volunteer centerNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (Instituto de Doctrina Social de la Iglesia (Institute of the Social Doctrine of the Church).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Instituto de Doctrina Social – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/instituto-de-doctrina-social · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Impulsamos el conocimiento de la doctrina social de la Iglesia en el ámbito universitario y en la sociedad puertorriqueña”
      The university's Institute of the Social Doctrine of the Church promotes knowledge of Catholic social teaching at the university.
      “Lcdo. Israel Santiago Lugo director Instituto Doctrina Social de la Iglesia”
      Israel Santiago Lugo directs the Institute of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Two or more (Students For Life PUCPR (student association) and the Escuelita Montessori, which serves children ages 3-6 of PUCPR students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Asociaciones Estudiantiles – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/vida-estudiantil/asociaciones-estudiantiles · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students For Life PUCPR”
      Students For Life PUCPR is listed among student associations of the College of Arts and Humanities.
    2. Escuelita Montessori – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/conocenos/servicios-a-la-comunidad/escuelita-montessori · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Servicios a niños de 3 a 6 años de edad, de hijo/a de estudiante de la PUCPR o hijo/a de empleado/a de la PUCPR”
      The university's Montessori school serves children ages 3-6 of PUCPR students and employees.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)One (Free legal services for low-income people (Asistencia Legal). A pro bono program for law students with disadvantaged communities is also listed; both are law-school based.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Servicios – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/conocenos/servicios-a-la-comunidad · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Ofrecemos servicios legales gratuitos de excelencia a las personas de escasos recursos, acorde con nuestra misión institucional.”
      The university offers free legal services to low-income people as part of its mission.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. Pastoral Universitaria – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Promovemos un ambiente de caridad y voluntariado para la renovación de la sociedad conforme a la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia.”
      Pastoral Universitaria promotes charity and volunteering according to the social doctrine of the Church.
    2. Misión Institucional – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/mision-institucional · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Integra el voluntariado a la experiencia académica de los estudiantes, los facultativos y la administración en una acción evangelizadora”
      The Institutional Mission office frames volunteering as part of the university's evangelizing mission.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Curriculum sheets across several colleges list three theology courses (THEO 130, 131 and 132) and two philosophy courses (PHIL 312 and 340) as general education.
    Sources (2)
    1. BBA Contabilidad curriculum sheet (PUCPR)colegios.pucpr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BBA-Contabilidad-rev.-01-2020-202040.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “THEO 130 La Revelación Divina”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists THEO 130 La Revelación Divina among general education courses.
      “THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists THEO 131 La Iglesia de Cristo among general education courses.
      “THEO 132 La Familia Cristiana”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists THEO 132 La Familia Cristiana among general education courses.
      “PHIL 312 Filosofía del Hombre”
      The Accounting (BBA) curriculum sheet lists PHIL 312 Filosofía del Hombre and PHIL 340 Ética among general education courses.
    2. Bachillerato en Artes en Filosofía curriculum sheet, 2026 (PUCPR)colegios.pucpr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Curriculo-Filosofia-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “THEO 130 (G) 3 THEO 131 (G) 3”
      The 2026 Philosophy B.A. sheet marks THEO 130 and THEO 131 as general education (G) courses; THEO 132 (G) appears in the second year.
  • The chaplaincy lists confession during office hours on four weekdays, and the campus chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for prayer.
    Sources (2)
    1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Horario de misas Lunes a jueves: 12:05 p.m. a 12:30 p.m. La Capilla se abre a las 8:00 a.m. para que podamos hacer la visita a Jesús.”
      The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. the chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
      “Lunes: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Martes y Jueves: 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Miércoles: 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m.”
      Chaplaincy office hours are Monday 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-noon, and Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
    2. Otros Servicios – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/otros-servicios · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Nota: Durante las horas de oficina estamos disponibles para confesión, dirección espiritual u otros asuntos.”
      The chaplaincy is available for confession during its office hours.
  • A Delegate for Institutional Mission oversees Pastoral Universitaria and an Institute of the Social Doctrine of the Church, and the mission statement cites Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
    Sources (2)
    1. Misión Institucional – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/mision-institucional · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “El compromiso de esta tarea la lleva “a consagrarse, sin reservas, a la causa de la verdad” (Ex Corde Ecclesiae, 4)”
      The university's institutional mission statement cites Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
      “El Instituto de Doctrina Social, el Dialogo Interdisciplinario entre fe y razón y la Pastoral Universitaria están bajo la administración de esta dependencia”
      A Delegate for Institutional Mission, appointed by the president, oversees the Institute of Social Doctrine, faith-and-reason dialogue and Pastoral Universitaria.
    2. Instituto de Doctrina Social – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/instituto-de-doctrina-social · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Impulsamos el conocimiento de la doctrina social de la Iglesia en el ámbito universitario y en la sociedad puertorriqueña”
      The university's Institute of the Social Doctrine of the Church promotes knowledge of Catholic social teaching at the university.

Concerns

  • The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday only.
    Sources (1)
    1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Horario de misas Lunes a jueves: 12:05 p.m. a 12:30 p.m. La Capilla se abre a las 8:00 a.m. para que podamos hacer la visita a Jesús.”
      The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. the chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
  • The Arts and Humanities bachelor's degrees include Philosophy, and theology is offered at the graduate level.
    Sources (1)
    1. Bachilleratos – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/oferta-academica/subgraduados/bachilleratos · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Bachillerato en Artes (BA): Bellas Artes (P) Ciencias Políticas (P) Ciencias Políticas y Derecho (P) Estudios Hispánicos (P) Estudios Pre-Jurídicos (P) Filosofía (P) Francés (P) Historia (P) Inglés (P) Música (P) Sociología (P) Teatro y Artes Escénicas (P)”
      The Arts and Humanities bachelor's degrees include Philosophy but no theology or religious studies degree.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Capellanía (Capilla del Espíritu Santo)

  • Address: Centro de Estudiantes Manuel González Pató, 2250 Blvd. Luis A. Ferré, Suite 584, Ponce, PR 00717-9997
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

Source: pucpr.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, pucpr.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 0 off campus

Faith formation 2

  • Sacramental preparationOn campus
    Chaplaincy preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion and Marriage.
    pucpr.edu
  • Spiritual directionOn campus
    During chaplaincy office hours
    Spiritual direction offered by the chaplaincy.
    pucpr.edu, pucpr.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Students For Life PUCPROn campus
    Pro-life student association listed under the College of Arts and Humanities.
    pucpr.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. Horario de las Misas – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/horario-de-las-misas · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Horario de misas Lunes a jueves: 12:05 p.m. a 12:30 p.m. La Capilla se abre a las 8:00 a.m. para que podamos hacer la visita a Jesús.”
    The chaplaincy's Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Thursday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. the chapel opens at 8:00 a.m. for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
    “Padre Victor Manuel Hernández Velázquez 787.651-2000 ext. 1456 capellania@pucpr.edu”
    Padre Victor Manuel Hernández Velázquez is the chaplaincy contact; the chaplaincy email is capellania@pucpr.edu.
    “Capilla del Espíritu Santo Centro de Estudiantes Manuel González Pató, Recinto de Ponce”
    The Capilla del Espíritu Santo is in the Manuel González Pató Student Center on the Ponce campus.
  2. Pastoral Universitaria – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “La Constitución Apostólica del Sumo Pontífice Juan Pablo II Ex corde Ecclesiae define la Pastoral Universitaria como”
    Pastoral Universitaria defines its work using Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
    “Promovemos un ambiente de caridad y voluntariado para la renovación de la sociedad conforme a la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia.”
    Pastoral Universitaria promotes charity and volunteering according to the social doctrine of the Church.
    “Recinto de Ponce 787.841-2000 2250 Blvd. Luis A. Ferré, Suite 584 Ponce, PR 00717-9997”
    Pastoral Universitaria's Ponce campus address is 2250 Blvd. Luis A. Ferré, Suite 584, Ponce, PR 00717-9997.
  3. Instituto de Doctrina Social – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/pastoral-universitaria/instituto-de-doctrina-social · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Impulsamos el conocimiento de la doctrina social de la Iglesia en el ámbito universitario y en la sociedad puertorriqueña”
    The university's Institute of the Social Doctrine of the Church promotes knowledge of Catholic social teaching at the university.
  4. Asociaciones Estudiantiles – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Ricopucpr.edu/vida-estudiantil/asociaciones-estudiantiles · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Students For Life PUCPR”
    Students For Life PUCPR is listed among student associations of the College of Arts and Humanities.

Reach out

Contact details for Padre Victor Manuel Hernández Velázquez (Chaplaincy (Capellanía) contact; Delegate for Institutional Mission) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
59 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.49%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.83%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,300
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.16 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$4,692

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,963
Total students5,562
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$13,192
Cost of attendance (per year)$20,508
Median federal debt at graduation$15,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
49%
First-year retention83%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$24,908
Admission rate98%
Students receiving Pell grants81%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1300
SAT reading & writing595–680
SAT math600–680
ACT composite—
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 48 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce a Catholic college?
Yes. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is a Catholic college. Its sponsor is Catholic bishops of Puerto Rico (founded by the bishops of the Dioceses of Ponce and San Juan).
What is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce’s Compass Score?
71 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
Mass is listed at Capilla del Espíritu Santo and Centro de Estudiantes Manuel González Pató. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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