Students who are interested in enrolling in a Caribbean college but want to ensure they are enrolled in one of the top colleges in the Caribbean will enjoy this ranking. While attending college in the Caribbean has many obvious benefits, it is important that students ensure they are receiving a high-quality education. This can be done by ensuring that the school they are enrolled in is among the top universities in the Caribbean.
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Best Caribbean College Methodology
For students who want to earn a degree from an island college, we have compiled a list of our top colleges in the Caribbean. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition and the length of the program. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. All of these programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Cost of Studying in the Caribbean
| University / College | Location | Annual Tuition (USD) | Program Type / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the West Indies (UWI) | Mona, Jamaica | $2,160 – $15,000 | Public; varies by campus and student status (local vs. international) |
| University of the Virgin Islands | U.S. Virgin Islands | $6,946 | Public; land-grant HBCU with strong education and business programs |
| University of Puerto Rico | San Juan, Puerto Rico | $7,986 | Public; accredited by MSCHE, large multi-campus system |
| Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC) | Dominican Republic | $8,090 | Private; strong in engineering, health sciences, and environmental studies |
| Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico | San Juan, Puerto Rico | $8,172 | Private; largest Hispanic-serving engineering school in the U.S. |
| University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) | Kingston, Jamaica | $10,000 | Private; six campuses across Jamaica, accredited business and management programs |
| Caribbean University | Bayamón, Puerto Rico | $11,084 | Private; four campuses, accredited by MSCHE |
| Northern Caribbean University (NCU) | Mandeville, Jamaica | $11,360 | Private; liberal arts focus, one of the oldest universities in Jamaica |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico | San German, Puerto Rico | $12,024 | Private; large private university with 11 campuses |
| All Saints University School of Medicine | Roseau, Dominica | $17,250 | Private; medical school offering subsidized tuition and scholarships |
Top 10 Caribbean College Ranking
#1. University of the West Indies
Mona, Jamaica
Located in Kingston, Jamaica, the University of the West Indies is one of our top colleges in the Caribbean. Originally founded as an extension campus of the University of London, the University of the West Indies is now a public university that serves students internationally. At this time, the University of the West Indies is home to a student body of over 50,000 students. While the main campus of the University of the West Indies is located in Mona, Jamaica, the University of the West Indies operates campuses across the Caribbean.
Tuition: US $2,160- $15,000
Score: 100
#2. University of the Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
Ranking highly among our top schools in the Caribbean, the University of the Virgin Islands boasts that it is located in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the entire world. Founded in 1962, the University of the Virgin Islands has the distinction of being a land-grant Historically Black College and University. This college in the Caribbean is made up of two campuses. The Albert A. Sheen Campus, which is located on the island of St. Croix, and the St. Thomas campus. About 2,500 students are enrolled at this Caribbean college. Almost fifty different degree programs are offered at this island college. The University of the Virgin Islands is among the top universities in the Caribbean.
Tuition: $6,946
Score: 99.75
#3 University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The University of Puerto Rico is the flagship university in the university system of Puerto Rico, and it’s one of the top colleges in the Caribbean. Founded in 1903, the University of Puerto Rico has been serving the people of Puerto Rico for over 100 years. Today, this college in the Caribbean operates eleven different campuses and enrolls almost 58,000 students. The University of Puerto Rico is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In 2010, the University of Puerto Rico opened its largest campus. The Rio Pedras Campus plans to enroll 27,000 students by the end of this year.
Tuition: $7,986
Score: 99.5
#4. Santo Domingo Institute of Technology
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
One of the top schools in the Caribbean, the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology is located in the Dominican Republic. Founded in 1972, the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology is a non-profit institution. This college in the Caribbean boasts a beautiful campus that is located near the National Botanical Garden. Students at The Santo Domingo Institute of Technology study programs in engineering, health sciences, business, social sciences, humanities, environmental sciences, and more.
Tuition: $8,090
Score: 99.25
#5 Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico is a private non-profit university and a top island college. The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico primarily operates as an engineering and agricultural school. Currently, this college in the Caribbean has the unique distinction of being the largest private engineering school in Puerto Rico, as well as the largest Hispanic Serving Engineering School in the United States. It is also a top Caribbean college. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs to its students.
Tuition: $8,172
Score: 99
#6. University of the Commonwealth Caribbean
Kingston, Jamaica
The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean is among our top Caribbean schools. Located in Kingston, Jamaica, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean was formed in 2002 after the Institute of Management Sciences was merged with the older Institute of Management & Production. Since then, this college in the Caribbean has grown to serve students across the Caribbean. Now, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean maintains six campuses across the island of Jamaica. A total of 5,000 students are enrolled across this island college’s many campuses.
Tuition: $10,000
Score: 98.75
#7. Caribbean University
Bayamon, Puerto Rico
A top Caribbean school, Caribbean University is made up of four different campuses located across Puerto Rico. Caribbean University operates campuses in Bayomón, Vega Baja, Carolina, and Ponce. The first campus was officially opened in 1969. The school system was renamed to Caribbean University in 1990 after it began offering graduate studies to its students. Caribbean University has received accreditation for its programs from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $11,084
Score: 98.5
#8 Northern Caribbean University
Mandeville, Jamaica
Northern Caribbean University tops our ranking of the top schools in the Caribbean. A private liberal arts university, Northern Caribbean University is located in Mandeville, Jamaica. Currently, the Northern Caribbean University operates four campuses: its main campus in Mandeville, plus three regional campuses located across the island of Jamaica. Northern Caribbean University is one of the oldest island colleges in Jamaica and was founded in 1907.
Tuition: $11,360
Score: 98.25
#9. Inter American University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Inter American University of Puerto Rico is one of our top universities in the Caribbean. Founded in 1902, Inter American University of Puerto Rico’s main campus is located in San German. Since its opening, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico has grown to become one of the largest private universities in Puerto Rico. The school operates additional campuses across the island in Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Fajardo, Ponce, and San Juan. Students at Inter American University of Puerto Rico can choose from academic programs offered across eleven different schools at one of the top universities in the Caribbean.
Tuition: $12,024
Score: 98
#10. All Saints University
Roseau, Dominica
Ranked highly among our top Caribbean schools, All Saints University is a school of medicine located in the Caribbean. Founded in 2006, All Saints University is administered from a different campus located in Toronto, Ontario. All Saints University focuses primarily on providing subsidized medical educations to its students. Most students enrolled at All Saints University receive scholarships that account for 50% of their tuition. Located in Roseau, Dominica, All Saints University is one of the top universities in the Caribbean.
Tuition: $17,250
Score: 97.75
Programs & Career Outcomes
Choosing the right program at a Caribbean institution isn’t just about the degree — it’s about what you’ll be able to do afterward. Below are four popular fields at Caribbean universities, along with their typical programs, career paths, and estimated salary ranges in the region or for graduates working internationally.
| Program | Typical Degree Tracks | Career Outcomes | Estimated Salary Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine / Health Sciences | MBBS, BSc Public Health, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science | Physician, Surgeon, Nurse Manager, Clinical Lab Director | From USD ~$60,000 to over $100,000 for specialists + internationally practicing doctors. |
| Business / Management | BBA, BS in International Business, MBA (for post-grad) | Business Development Manager, Finance Executive, Consultant | Caribbean regional business roles often USD $30,000-50,000+; international placements higher. |
| Tourism / Hospitality / Hospitality-Management | BA in Tourism & Hospitality, BS in Hospitality Management, Mgt Certificate in Resort Management | Hotel/Resort Manager, Cruise Industry Executive, Event Manager | Many mid-level roles USD $35,000-70,000; senior management USD $80,000+. |
| Marine Science / Environmental & Marine Studies | BSc Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Oceanography | Marine Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Coastal Tourism Manager | Regionally fewer public salary figures, but roles often USD $40,000-80,000, with potential for higher pay in research/consulting overseas. |
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Studying in the Caribbean can be surprisingly affordable—especially if you explore regional and international funding options. Most accredited universities in the region offer institutional scholarships, government bursaries, and external aid programs designed for both local and international learners.
Below are some of the most recognized sources of financial assistance for 2026 applicants:
| Scholarship / Aid Program | Eligible Students | Description & Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Organization of American States (OAS) Scholarships | Citizens of OAS member states, including the U.S. | Covers full or partial tuition and living expenses for undergraduate or graduate study at accredited Caribbean universities. |
| University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Bursaries | UWI undergraduates and online students | Merit- and need-based bursaries supporting tuition and learning materials; available for both local and international learners. |
| Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Scholarships | Citizens of borrowing member countries | Awards for fields tied to sustainable development—education, healthcare, and public administration. |
| Commonwealth Caribbean Awards | Students from Commonwealth nations | Funded by Commonwealth governments; supports postgraduate study at accredited Caribbean or U.K. institutions. |
| Fulbright Program – Caribbean Partner Awards | U.S. citizens | Provides funding for study, teaching, or research placements in partner Caribbean universities; includes stipend and travel costs. |
| Institutional Scholarships (e.g., NCU, UCC, UVI) | Enrolled students | Many universities—like Northern Caribbean University and University of the Virgin Islands—offer internal merit or need-based awards for continuing students. |
| Medical & Health Science School Grants | International medical students | Programs such as All Saints University and Ross University provide tuition discounts up to 50% for high-achieving or financially needy students. |
FAQ
What are the best accredited universities in the Caribbean?
The University of the West Indies, University of Puerto Rico, and University of the Virgin Islands top the 2026 list.
Are Caribbean universities accredited internationally?
Yes, most are accredited by regional or international boards like MSCHE and CAAM-HP.
How much does it cost to study in the Caribbean?
Annual tuition ranges from $2,000 to $15,000, with living costs averaging $10,000 per year.
Which Caribbean colleges offer online programs?
UWI Open Campus, University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, and Golden Gate University Caribbean extension offer online options.
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NPCO Staff
