Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education Programs in Puerto Rico

All 19 Elementary Education bachelor's-level programs in Puerto Rico, ranked overall on graduation rate, affordability, and more, from the IPEDS database.

A bachelor's in elementary education is the standard credential behind a Puerto Rico teaching license, and Puerto Rico has 19 accredited elementary education bachelor's programs to compare. This ranking scores every one on the outcomes that actually affect your return: graduation rate, in-state affordability, and selectivity, all pulled from the public federal IPEDS database. University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo ranks first with a score of 73, on a 52 percent graduation rate.

Each section below covers a specific decision point, cost and real ROI, Puerto Rico licensure, accreditation, online and accelerated formats, and career outlook, so you can compare elementary education programs in Puerto Rico on the factors that change your outcome rather than on marketing.

19Programs analyzed
$4,968 to $7,344/yrIn-state tuition
University of Puerto Rico-AreciboTop-ranked

← Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education nationally

Elementary Education bachelor's-level programs in Puerto Rico, compared by score
1University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo73
2University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras70
3University of Puerto Rico at Ponce64
4Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German64
5Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla64
6Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo61
7Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo60
8Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo59
9Caribbean University-Vega Baja57
10University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla53
11Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce48
12Caribbean University-Carolina46

Plus 7 more programs ranked below, listed in full underneath.

  1. 1

    University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

    Arecibo, PRPublic

    73score
    • 52%Grad rate
    • $5,024/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 59%Admit rate
    • 2,689Undergrads
    • 9Grads/yr
    • Bachelor's in Elementary Education (Bachillerato en Educación Elemental)
    About the program

    Taught in Spanish, the Bachillerato en Educación Elemental at the University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is a bachelor's program that grounds future elementary teachers in both what they will teach and how to teach it. The 136-credit plan leans heavily into the concentration, with 74 credits devoted to it alongside general education and electives, so candidates gain substantial depth before entering a classroom. Clinical and field experiences are woven directly into that content and pedagogical study rather than saved for the end. The program is offered through a department accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, with self-study reports on file for the elementary track. Completing the sequence leads to teacher certification. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    We rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. Its strongest card is completion: a 52% graduation rate lands it in the top 6% of Puerto Rico programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 59% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $5,024 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. Strong on the measures that matter most, it earns a place near the top.

    Program page
  2. 2

    University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

    San Juan, PRPublic

    70score
    • 50%Grad rate
    • $5,024/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 55%Admit rate
    • 8,710Undergrads
    • 33Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Artes en Educacion, concentracion Nivel Elemental (Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Level)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Offered by the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Faculty of Education, this Bachelor of Arts in Education with an Elementary Level concentration prepares candidates for Puerto Rico teacher certification. The concentration is offered in two grade-band tracks, kindergarten through third grade and fourth through sixth grade, with roughly 21 credits of teaching methodology for the areas certified. Candidates complete a clinical practicum (practica docente), including placements in the Faculty's Laboratory Schools. The Faculty's undergraduate teacher preparation programs are accredited by CAEP through 2032. Instruction is campus based. It awards more bachelor's-level elementary education degrees than any of Puerto Rico's 19 ranked bachelor's-level programs, 33 in the most recent year. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Where it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. Start with the outcome that matters most, 50% of students graduate, top 17% among Puerto Rico programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. A 55% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $5,024 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. Together, that is one of the strongest profiles on the page.

    Program page
  3. 3

    University of Puerto Rico at Ponce

    Ponce, PRPublic

    64score
    • 46%Grad rate
    • $5,024/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 52%Admit rate
    • 2,373Undergrads
    • 13Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Elemental (Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    The Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Elemental at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce is a Bachelor of Arts that prepares teachers for the K-5 classroom through the Departamento de Educación y Educación Física. Study is traditional and face-to-face on campus, and the curriculum builds steadily from early field experiences into clinical work and finally the Práctica Docente, or student teaching. A distinctive touch comes during that capstone, when candidates carry out a Proyecto Especial Académico de Impacto Comunitario, a special academic project meant to give back to the surrounding community. CAEP reaccredited the program in April 2021, and it holds an exemplary classification tied to its graduates' performance on teacher certification exams. Finishing the degree leads to licensure. Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of Puerto Rico's elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    We rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. Its strongest card is completion: a 46% graduation rate lands it in the top 33% of Puerto Rico programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 52% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $5,024 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. Strong on the measures that matter most, it earns a place near the top.

    Program page
  4. 4

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German

    San German, PRPrivate nonprofit

    64score
    • 43%Grad rate
    • $4,968/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 42%Admit rate
    • 2,613Undergrads
    • 5Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Artes en Educación en la Niñez Temprana: Nivel Elemental (4-6)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    At Inter American University of Puerto Rico's San German campus, the Bachillerato en Artes en Educacion en la Ninez Temprana includes an elementary track for grades 4 to 6, offered alongside a primary track for kindergarten through third grade. Housed in the Departamento de Educacion y Educacion Fisica and delivered on campus, the program leads to teacher certification through the Puerto Rico Department of Education. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Three things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Puerto Rico programs at 43%, solid without being a standout. A 42% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $4,968 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.

    Program page
  5. 5

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

    Aguadilla, PRPrivate nonprofit

    64score
    • 43%Grad rate
    • $4,968/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 42%Admit rate
    • 2,970Undergrads
    • 2Grads/yr
    About the program

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico's Aguadilla campus offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education through its Departamento de Educacion y Estudios Humanisticos. The department runs several elementary-focused tracks, including Educacion Elemental K-3, Educacion Elemental 4-6, and Educacion Elemental en Ingles, alongside early childhood, special education, ESL K-12, and secondary education options. The teacher preparation program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the degree leads to teacher licensure. Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of Puerto Rico's elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    We rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Puerto Rico programs at 43%, solid without being a standout. A 42% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $4,968 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.

    Program page
  6. 6

    Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

    Arecibo, PRPrivate nonprofit

    61score
    • 54%Grad rate
    • $5,760/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 94%Admit rate
    • 298Undergrads
    • 1Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Ciencias en Educación Elemental (BSEE)
    About the program

    The Bachillerato en Ciencias en Educación Elemental, or BSEE, at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo prepares candidates to teach at the elementary level and to earn a Puerto Rico license. Guided by the College of Education, or Colegio de Educación, the program carries accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, a signal of vetted quality behind its teacher preparation. Students can shape the degree through a range of concentrations, in subjects such as visual arts, English, music, and special education, alongside general and primary elementary tracks. Some options extend beyond the campus, with general education and special education offered at both Arecibo and Mayagüez. A focused concentration in special education for autism is available at Arecibo only, giving candidates a route into a high-need specialty. Among Puerto Rico's 19 ranked bachelor's-level programs, this one posts the highest graduation rate at 54%. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Three things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. Start with the outcome that matters most, 54% of students graduate, top 1% among Puerto Rico programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 94%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $5,760 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.

    Program page
  7. 7

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

    Arecibo, PRPrivate nonprofit

    60score
    • 39%Grad rate
    • $4,968/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 38%Admit rate
    • 2,425Undergrads
    • 19Grads/yr
    • Bachelor's in Education: Elementary Level (Kinder a Quinto / K-5)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo offers a Bachelor's in Education at the elementary level, Kinder a Quinto (K-5), through its Departamento de Educacion directed by Dr. Pedro I. Rivera Nieves. The elementary offerings are split by grade band, with K-5 at the Arecibo campus and K-4 at the Inter Philadelphia campus. Coursework is delivered on campus, with a fully online option also listed. The teacher preparation program (PEM) holds CAEP accreditation, and the university is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The program leads to teacher licensure. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    We rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Puerto Rico programs at 39%, solid without being a standout. A 38% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $4,968 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.

    Program page
  8. 8

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo

    Fajardo, PRPrivate nonprofit

    59score
    • 38%Grad rate
    • $4,968/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 27%Admit rate
    • 1,109Undergrads
    • 5Grads/yr
    • Educación para la Niñez Temprana y el Nivel Elemental (4-6) / Early Childhood and Elementary Education (4-6), Bachillerato
    About the program

    At its Fajardo campus, Inter American University of Puerto Rico offers a Bachillerato in Early Childhood and Elementary Education aimed squarely at grades 4 through 6, the years when children are roughly 9 to 12 years old. The 128-credit program, housed in the Department of Education and Social Sciences, prepares teachers to work across the core subjects a general elementary teacher handles, including Spanish, mathematics, science, and social studies. Its curriculum is deliberately shaped around Puerto Rico Department of Education standards, so candidates learn to teach the way the island's schools expect. For those drawn to younger children, the department also runs a companion K-3 track covering the earlier elementary grades. Completing the degree leads to teacher licensure. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Its place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 38% the graduation rate trails the Puerto Rico median, which caps how high it can climb. Admissions are competitive, a 27% acceptance rate, which nudges it further up. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $4,968 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.

    Program page
  9. 9

    Caribbean University-Vega Baja

    Vega Baja, PRPrivate nonprofit

    57score
    • 50%Grad rate
    • $7,344/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 171Undergrads
    • 1Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Artes en Educación con Concentración en Educación Elemental (Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Elementary Education)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Caribbean University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Elementary Education, taught on campus at its Bayamón, Carolina, Ponce, and Vega Baja campuses. The program prepares students to teach grades four through six, with coursework spanning Spanish, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students also learn to develop instructional materials for the elementary classroom. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    We rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. Its strongest card is completion: a 50% graduation rate lands it in the top 17% of Puerto Rico programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. The one drag is price, $7,344 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.

    Program page
  10. 10

    University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

    Aguadilla, PRPublic

    53score
    • 46%Grad rate
    • $5,024/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 81%Admit rate
    • 1,928Undergrads
    • 10Grads/yr
    • 908SAT mid
    • Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Elemental (Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    The Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Elemental at the University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla is a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education housed in the Departamento de Educación y Educación Física. It is delivered presencial, or on-campus, and leads to teacher licensure. The department recently revised the curriculum and frames the program around the educational needs of the student population in the northwestern region of Puerto Rico. The program holds CAEP accreditation, described as recognition granted to education programs with sustained evidence of excellence. Specific credit load and fieldwork details were not itemized on the department page. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    We rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. Its strongest card is completion: a 46% graduation rate lands it in the top 33% of Puerto Rico programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 81% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $5,024 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.

    Program page
  11. 11

    Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

    Ponce, PRPrivate nonprofit

    48score
    • 49%Grad rate
    • $5,760/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 98%Admit rate
    • 4,006Undergrads
    • 4Grads/yr
    • 1278SAT mid
    • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
    About the program

    The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce is housed in the College of Education. Students choose among concentrations including early childhood education, special education K-12, English, music, visual arts, physical education, and general education. The teacher preparation program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Graduates may apply for a Regular Teacher Certificate through Puerto Rico's Department of Education, leading to elementary-level licensure. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Its place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. Start with the outcome that matters most, 49% of students graduate, top 22% among Puerto Rico programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 98%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $5,760 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.

    Program page
  12. 12

    Caribbean University-Carolina

    Carolina, PRPrivate nonprofit

    46score
    • 44%Grad rate
    • $7,344/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 112Undergrads
    • 1Grads/yr
    • Artes en Educacion con Concentracion en Educacion Elemental
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Caribbean University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Elementary Education, a Spanish-language program that prepares candidates to teach students in grades four through six. The concentration sits alongside related education tracks in special education and physical education. It is delivered on campus and offered at several Caribbean University locations, including Bayamon, Carolina, Ponce, and Vega Baja. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Its rank is built from three numbers: graduation rate, admission rate, and in-state tuition, in that order of weight. Its strongest card is completion: a 44% graduation rate lands it in the top 39% of Puerto Rico programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. The one drag is price, $7,344 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.

    Program page
  13. 13

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

    San Juan, PRPrivate nonprofit

    44score
    • 39%Grad rate
    • $4,968/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 70%Admit rate
    • 2,711Undergrads
    • 6Grads/yr
    • Education, Elementary Level specialization (K-3 and 4-6 tracks)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico's Metropolitan campus offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education with an Elementary Level specialization, available in K-3 and 4-6 tracks. The program prepares candidates to meet the teacher certification requirements of the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, covering the K-6 grade band. Clinical preparation includes EDUC 1080 Field Experience I and EDUC 4013 Clinical Experiences II, or Practice Teaching, though students with a full academic year of full-time teaching experience may be exempt from these internship courses. The Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, with the Metropolitan campus accreditation period running from October 2021 to October 2026. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Three things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Puerto Rico programs at 39%, solid without being a standout. A 70% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $4,968 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.

    Program page
  14. 14

    Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

    Mayaguez, PRPrivate nonprofit

    29score
    • 40%Grad rate
    • $5,760/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 99%Admit rate
    • 581Undergrads
    • 3Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Educación Elemental (Elementary Education)
    About the program

    Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez offers the Bachillerato en Educacion Elemental, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education housed in the Colegio de Educacion. The program prepares elementary classroom teachers and offers concentrations in Educacion Primaria and Ingles. Described as a four to six year bachelor's degree, it also positions graduates to pursue postgraduate studies. Coursework is delivered in Spanish through the College of Education. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    The ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Puerto Rico programs at 40%, solid without being a standout. Admission is close to open access at 99%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $5,760 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.

    Program page
  15. 15

    Caribbean University-Ponce

    Ponce, PRPrivate nonprofit

    26score
    • 37%Grad rate
    • $7,344/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 432Undergrads
    • 1Grads/yr
    • Artes en Educación con Concentración en Educación Elemental
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Caribbean University-Ponce offers a Bachillerato in Artes en Educación con Concentración en Educación Elemental, a bachelor's degree focused on the upper elementary grades. Candidates prepare to teach fourth through sixth grade across Spanish, mathematics, science, and social studies, and the program adds the practical skill of designing their own instructional materials. Its graduates are pointed toward a range of settings, from public and private schools to special-education schools and one-on-one mentoring. The degree is taught on campus and can be pursued at the university's Bayamón, Carolina, Ponce, and Vega Baja locations, giving students several places to enroll. At the institutional level, the university is accredited by Middle States, which reviews the college as a whole rather than this specific program. Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of Puerto Rico's elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Where it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 37% the graduation rate trails the Puerto Rico median, which caps how high it can climb. The one drag is price, $7,344 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.

    Program page
  16. 16

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus

    Gurabo, PRPrivate nonprofit

    26score
    • 31%Grad rate
    • $5,750/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 7,906Undergrads
    • 5Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Artes de la Educacion con concentracion en Preescolar y Elemental (K5) (Bachelor of Arts in Education, Preschool and Elementary K-5 concentration)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez offers the Bachillerato en Artes de la Educacion con concentracion en Preescolar y Elemental (K5), a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a preschool and elementary concentration covering the K-5 grade band. The program is delivered on campus in a regular format at the Gurabo campus and other UAGM locations, and leads toward professional teaching licensure. The Teacher Preparation Programs of the Gurabo campus are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The program prepares educators to work across two levels, preschool and elementary, with competencies to design learning environments that stimulate discovery and interest during childhood. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    We rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 31% the graduation rate trails the Puerto Rico median, which caps how high it can climb. The one drag is price, $5,750 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.

    Program page
  17. 17

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus

    San Juan, PRPrivate nonprofit

    26score
    • 31%Grad rate
    • $5,750/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 4,612Undergrads
    • 5Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Artes de la Educación con concentración en Preescolar y Elemental (K5)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Taught in Spanish as the Bachillerato en Artes de la Educación con concentración en Preescolar y Elemental (K5), this Bachelor of Arts in Education spans two closely linked stages of a child's early schooling, preschool and the elementary years. Because it treats those levels as a continuum, candidates learn to guide young learners through the transitions that shape the PreK-5 grade band rather than specializing in a single classroom age. The Departamento de Educación delivers the degree on campus, and students can pursue it at several UAGM sites, including Cupey, Aguadilla, Bayamón, Carolina, and Gurabo. Coursework builds toward Puerto Rico teacher licensure, and the university's educator preparation programs hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Its place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 31% the graduation rate trails the Puerto Rico median, which caps how high it can climb. The one drag is price, $5,750 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.

    Program page
  18. 18

    University of Puerto Rico-Utuado

    Utuado, PRPublic

    24score
    • 23%Grad rate
    • $5,024/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 64%Admit rate
    • 334Undergrads
    • 2Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Elemental (Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education)
    About the program

    The University of Puerto Rico at Utuado offers the Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Elemental, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education housed in its Department of Pedagogía y Ciencias Sociales. Students prepare to teach across the K-3 and 4-6 grade bands, combining pedagogy coursework with the subject content taught in Puerto Rico's elementary classrooms. The program includes supervised student teaching in elementary schools. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    The ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 23% the graduation rate trails the Puerto Rico median, which caps how high it can climb. A 64% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Puerto Rico programs at $5,024 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing.

    Program page
  19. 19

    Universidad Adventista de las Antillas

    Mayaguez, PRPrivate nonprofit

    12score
    • 36%Grad rate
    • $6,750/yrTuition (in or out of state)
    • 100%Admit rate
    • 848Undergrads
    • 3Grads/yr
    • Bachillerato en Educación (Bachelor's in Education), Educación Elemental K-5 concentration
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Universidad Adventista de las Antillas offers a Bachillerato en Educación with a concentration in Educación Elemental for grades K-5, a path that leads to elementary teacher licensure. What sets the experience apart is how early it begins: students step into real classrooms for practical experience from their very first semester, so teaching is something they do from the start rather than only at the end. The concentration sits within a single education degree that houses nine grade-band and subject options, spanning areas such as elementary, secondary sciences, languages, and special education. Instruction is presencial, delivered on campus over a standard four-year, semester-based schedule through the Departamento de Educación. For students drawn to the early grades, it offers a hands-on route into the classroom. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Puerto Rico.

    Why it ranks here

    Three things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 36% the graduation rate trails the Puerto Rico median, which caps how high it can climb. Admission is close to open access at 100%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $6,750 in state, above the Puerto Rico median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.

    Program page

Key facts about a bachelor's in Elementary Education in Puerto Rico

  • Puerto Rico has 19 accredited bachelor's in elementary education programs in our 2026 ranking, all drawn from federal IPEDS data.
  • University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo ranks first among elementary education bachelor's programs in Puerto Rico with a score of 73, on a 52 percent graduation rate.
  • Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Puerto Rico, at $4,968 a year in-state tuition.
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo posts the highest graduation rate among elementary education programs in Puerto Rico, at 54 percent.
  • Puerto Rico requires the PCMAS licensure exam, administered through Departamento de Educacion de Puerto Rico, Division de Certificaciones, to earn a teaching license.

What a bachelor's in elementary education costs in Puerto Rico (2026)

Published in-state tuition for a bachelor's in elementary education in Puerto Rico runs from $4,968 to $7,344 a year across the 19 programs we rank, with a median of $5,024. The most affordable is Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German at $4,968 a year. These are published sticker rates from IPEDS; most future teachers bring the net figure down with the Pell Grant, the federal TEACH Grant, and state teacher-preparation aid, so weigh net price, not the sticker.

Cost only means something next to completion. The elementary education programs ranked here average a 42 percent graduation rate, and a lower-priced program where fewer students finish is not necessarily the cheaper path to a degree. Compare tuition and graduation rate together above.

Sources: IPEDS tuition data

How to get a Puerto Rico teaching license

To teach in Puerto Rico you need a bachelor's in elementary education (or a bachelor's plus an approved preparation program), a supervised student-teaching placement, and a Puerto Rico teaching license issued by Departamento de Educacion de Puerto Rico, Division de Certificaciones. Puerto Rico calls the initial credential the Certificado Regular de Maestro, and earning it means passing PCMAS (Pruebas para la Certificacion de Maestros) plus a background check.

PCMAS is developed and administered by the College Board and subsidized by the education department; it does not use ETS Praxis. Confirm your program is currently state-approved before you enroll.

Sources: Puerto Rico educator certification, PCMAS exam

Choosing an accredited elementary education program in Puerto Rico

Pick a bachelor's in elementary education in Puerto Rico that is regionally accredited and whose educator-preparation program is approved by the Puerto Rico Department of Education, ideally with CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation. State approval is what lets the degree count toward a Puerto Rico teaching license, and CAEP is the national standard for program quality, so confirm both before enrolling in any elementary education program in Puerto Rico.

Sources: CAEP accreditation

Frequently asked questions about a bachelor's in Elementary Education in Puerto Rico

How many bachelor's in elementary education programs are in Puerto Rico?

There are 19 accredited bachelor's in elementary education programs in Puerto Rico in our 2026 ranking, all drawn from the federal IPEDS database.

What is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Puerto Rico?

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Puerto Rico, at $4,968 a year in in-state tuition.

What exam do you need to teach in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico requires the PCMAS (Pruebas para la Certificacion de Maestros) licensure exam, administered for Departamento de Educacion de Puerto Rico, Division de Certificaciones. See the <a href="https://latam.collegeboard.org/pcmas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">official exam page</a> for current test requirements.

Is a bachelor's in elementary education worth it in Puerto Rico?

For most future teachers, yes. A bachelor's in elementary education in Puerto Rico is the standard credential for a Puerto Rico teaching license. Compare graduation rate and net price above to find the best value in 2026.

These are the best bachelor's in elementary education programs in Puerto Rico for 2026, ranked on the outcomes that matter. Compare all 19 bachelor's in elementary education in Puerto Rico above by graduation rate, tuition, and selectivity, then open each program page to take the next step toward teaching in an elementary school classroom in Puerto Rico.

Sources

Elementary Education in other states