Online MBA Programs in Puerto Rico

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Online MBAs in Puerto Rico can provide students with a unique perspective on global business and economics. Keep reading to explore programs and concentration options in Puerto Rico.

OnlineMBA.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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San Juan, Puerto Rico on a sunny day Credit: Laurie Chamberlain / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images

Puerto Rico's economy is becoming more diverse. Just a few decades ago, the island was predominantly a manufacturing hub.

Puerto Rico has seen recent, significant growth in the service sector, particularly in the financial and healthcare industries.

This expansion comes with a positive job outlook for aspiring managers and business administrators living in Puerto Rico.

Projections Central highlights potential employment changes in Puerto Rico from 2020-2030. Notably, it shows a projected 35% job increase for medical and health services managers, 22.8% for financial managers, and 15.9% for marketing managers.

Students can prepare for that job growth by pursuing an online MBA in Puerto Rico. Learn more about what Puerto Rican MBAs include, how much they cost, and what jobs graduates can pursue.

Why Get an Online MBA in Puerto Rico?

  • Lower Cost: Online MBA programs in Puerto Rico tend to cost less than $300 per credit for island residents. This totals less than some of the most affordable online MBA programs nationwide.
  • Language Variety: Puerto Rico has two official languages: Spanish and English. The education on the island reflects this diversity, with schools offering programs exclusively in Spanish, English, or a combination. Students can improve their skills in either language and prepare for a multilingual career.
  • Global Perspective: Puerto Rico's location could be ideal for launching an international business career. With ties to the United States, the Caribbean islands, and Latin America, Puerto Rico provides a culturally and economically rich environment for potential businesspeople.

With the island's proximity to Central and South America, MBA programs and concentrations often focus on Latin American business.

Whether studying online, in-territory, or out-of-territory, students can enjoy a bilingual and culturally diverse atmosphere that prepares them for international business management.

What To Expect From MBA Programs in Puerto Rico

Online MBA programs in Puerto Rico closely resemble MBA programs on the U.S. mainland. They are often asynchronous and last for about two years.

Students can expect to complete about 38-48 credits, including a capstone research project, seminar, or simulation. The 7-10 core classes explore fundamental business accounting, marketing, and economics. The rest of the program focuses on specialized classes.

Puerto Rican schools provide standard MBA concentrations, like finance, accounting, and marketing. However, some universities may offer extra specialization options — like tourism — that cater to developing Puerto Rican industries.

The entire program may cost about $9,700-$12,500, depending on the school and total credit requirements. Non-Puerto Rican residents may pay slightly more.

Admission Requirements for MBAs

Most Puerto Rican schools expect MBA applicants to hold a bachelor's degree and fulfill basic prerequisites. These commonly include undergraduate accounting, economics, and statistics courses.

Applicants must also meet minimum GPA requirements. Students often need a 2.25-2.5 undergraduate GPA, although some specializations may require a 3.0 minimum.

The application process often begins with an online form. Students provide basic demographic and educational information, then share their undergraduate transcripts and proof of degree completion. They may need to pay an application fee, although not all schools require one.

Some Puerto Rican institutions request proof of language proficiency in Spanish and English. Showing mastery in both languages may increase chances of acceptance — especially for international business concentrations.

Recommendation letters, a resume, and business experience may also boost an application.

MBA Concentrations in Puerto Rico

Many Puerto Rican MBA programs offer specialization options. Common concentrations may include online MBA programs in human resources, finance, and marketing. These prepare students for a career in management, specifically in the leading Puerto Rican banking and healthcare industries.

Some schools provide concentrations tailored to prevalent industries across Latin America. For example, Ana G. Mendez University offers a Spanish-only concentration that explores international business, specifically in Latin America. Other possible specializations that support Latin American economics include agribusiness and tourism.

Learn more about concentrations with our MBA specialization guide.

Puerto Rico's Economy

Puerto Rico had developed a significant manufacturing industry up until a tax regulation change in 2006. This shift greatly affected the economy and caused unemployment to skyrocket.

Since then, Puerto Rico has experienced significant economic change and expanded into various industries. The island now also reports record-low unemployment rates, dropping to 5.8% in August 2022.

According to a 2020 report, manufacturing still accounts for about 48% of Puerto Rico's GDP. The service industry follows close behind, totaling almost 43% of the GDP.

Based on GDP, the largest industries within the service sector include real estate (16.6%), retail trade (5.7%), finance (4.6%), and healthcare (3.8%).

Of these four industries, only finance and healthcare grew from 2019-20. Finance also had the highest GDP industry growth rate in Puerto Rico, expanding by over 18%.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows similar trends regarding employment. After the government and trade, transportation, and utility sectors, the following industries boast the highest employment in August 2022:

  • Professional and business services (141,100 employees)
  • Education and health services (119,800 employees)
  • Leisure and hospitality (90,300 employees)
  • Manufacturing (83,600 employees)
  • Financial activities (46,700 employees)

An MBA can prepare residents for managerial positions in any of these industries. Choosing to study in Puerto Rico — and selecting a concentration applicable to the island's leading industries — shows commitment to developing Puerto Rico's economy.

Before selecting an MBA program and concentration, students might also consider the biggest Puerto Rican employers listed below.

Company Location Main Industry Number of Employees
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Headquartered in San Juan; branches located all over the island Banking About 8,000
Hospitales HIMA•San Pablo Headquartered in Caguas; locations in Bayamón, Fajardo, and Humacao Healthcare About 5,000
FirstBank Headquartered in San Juan; branches located all over the island Banking Over 3,500
OFG Bancorp Headquartered in San Juan; branches located all over the island Banking About 2,300

Source: BLS, OEWS, Merger

Careers for MBA Grads in Puerto Rico

Financial Analyst

These analysts help companies manage their finances and build a profit. They may work as buy-side analysts and focus on investment strategies. Or, they can work as sell-side analysts who guide businesses in selling their stocks. Financial analysts often research economic trends and evaluate companies' financial status.

  • Job Outlook (2021-31): +9%
  • Median Annual Salary: $95,570
  • Average Annual Salary in Puerto Rico: $56,640

Healthcare Manager

Healthcare managers, also called healthcare administrators, oversee facility finances, schedules, and departmental goals. They must stay updated on the latest healthcare regulations to ensure the facility stays compliant. These managers improve efficiency by researching the latest healthcare technology and training staff in new protocols.

  • Job Outlook (2021-31): +28%
  • Median Annual Salary: $101,340
  • Average Annual Salary in Puerto Rico: $112,750

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers help bridge communication between employees and company executives. They oversee employee recruitment, hiring, training, and retention. They also handle benefit programs, supervise worker productivity, and advise individuals on workplace equality.

  • Job Outlook (2020-30): +7%
  • Median Annual Salary: $126,230
  • Average Annual Salary in Puerto Rico: $74,690

General and Operations Manager

General and operations managers may fulfill various roles, depending on the industry and company. These administrators might create new policies, organize employee schedules, and oversee departmental projects. Other responsibilities may include handling the budget and supervising daily operations.

  • Job Outlook (2021-31): +6%
  • Median Annual Salary: $98,980
  • Average Annual Salary in Puerto Rico: $103,390

Sales Manager

Sales managers oversee a company's sales department. They hire and train new team members, set sales quotas, and decide when to apply sales tactics like discounts. These professionals work with other departmental managers to better understand company goals and target customers.

  • Job Outlook (2021-31): +5%
  • Median Annual Salary: $127,490
  • Average Annual Salary in Puerto Rico: $97,120

Puerto Rico's Online MBA Programs Accreditation

Just like other U.S. institutions, Puerto Rican universities can hold accreditation. The island falls under the Middle States Commission on Higher Education's (MSCHE) jurisdiction.

Accreditation also applies to individual programs. Agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business can accredit specific MBA programs across the U.S., including those at Puerto Rican universities.

A degree from any accredited U.S. institution holds the same value, no matter the university's location. When applying for jobs in the mainland and noncontiguous United States, an MBA you earn in Puerto Rico is like an MBA from other universities.

Learn more about MBA accreditation with our helpful guide.

The Top Online MBA Program in Puerto Rico of 2022

The following list highlights the top two online MBA programs in Puerto Rico. We considered factors like student success and online flexibility when selecting the best MBA programs for 2022.

Find out more about our ranking methodology by exploring the link below.

#1 Online MBA Programs in Puerto Rico

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo

  • Fajardo, PR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Reverend John Will Harris founded the Inter American University System of Puerto Rico in 1912. This Christian university now has nine campuses — including Inter Fajardo — and houses over 20% of Puerto Rico's university student population.

Department of Business Administration

Inter Fajardo offers a general MBA program and four specializations, all available on campus. Students can take only the general program and human resources concentration online. 

Each program includes the same ten core classes. Topics include managerial accounting, business marketing, global operations, and corporate finance. 

Students then select five concentration classes, which may include a capstone seminar or field experience.

Those in the online general MBA program supplement the core curriculum with any four specialization classes — or outside electives — plus a capstone seminar.   

The online human resources MBA includes two required specialization classes: human resources management and human resources research and consulting. 

Other concentration electives may include supervision and leadership, labor legislation, and compensation and benefits administration. 

Inter Fajardo's MBA Specializations

Marketing (on campus) | Information Systems Management (on campus) | General MBA (online and on campus) | Human Resources (online and on campus) | Tourism (on campus)

Applying to Inter Fajardo

Students complete an online application and pay a $31 fee. They send in recommendation letters and undergraduate transcripts showing a 2.5 minimum GPA. Applicants must also prove English and Spanish proficiency. Inter Fajardo expects MBA applicants to have three credits of undergraduate economics, statistics, and finance. 

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $215/credit
  • Required Credits: 45 credits
  • Program Length: Two years
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) and on campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,560
Out-of-state
$4,560
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,870
Out-of-state
$3,870
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
1,937
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Online MBA Programs in Puerto Rico

Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Online Campus

  • San Juan, PR
  • 4 years
  • Online

Founded in 2011, AGMU supports international and Hispanic communities, specifically Puerto Rico residents. While it has three campuses in Florida, AGMU's main campus is online in Spanish and English learning formats.

School of Business & Management

AGMU offers ten MBA specializations, most with on-campus and online learning formats. Three concentrations occur exclusively online: agribusiness, international business with focus on Latin America, and supply chain management and logistics.

Available languages vary by specialization and location. All on-campus options occur in English or bilingual formats. Most online classes have both English and Spanish options. 

However, AGMU offers the online accounting concentration only in English. The exclusively online programs — and the online management and strategic leadership specialization — occur only in Spanish.

Most concentrations include similar core courses. These explore managerial finance, business economics, and marketing management. Students then complete 2-6 specialized courses, plus electives. The capstone options can include a seminar, simulation, case study, or research course. 

AGMU's MBA Specializations

Accounting (online and on campus) | Agribusiness (online) | Finance (online and on campus) | Human Resources (online and on campus) | Management and Strategic Leadership (online and on campus) | Management (online and on campus) | International Business with Focus in Latin America (online) | Marketing and Sales Management (online and on campus) | Project Management (online and on campus) | Supply Chain Management and Logistics (online)

Applying to AGMU

Applicants submit an online application. They need a bachelor's degree and a 2.25 minimum undergraduate GPA. Some MBA specializations require a minimum GPA of 3.0. For other concentrations, AGMU expects candidates to have completed at least six undergraduate credits in financial accounting.  

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $260/credit (Puerto Rico residents); $500/credit (non-Puerto Rico residents) 
  • Required Credits: 38-48 credits
  • Program Length: About two years
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous), on campus (in Florida), and hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,700
Out-of-state
$11,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,800
Out-of-state
$14,400
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,051
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Sources:


Featured Image: Laurie Chamberlain / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images

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