Atlantic University College is a private, Anchor non-profit institution located in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Founded in 1981 by Colonel Ramón M. Barquín, it is one of the few colleges in the Caribbean specializing in digital arts education in all its forms. The institution officially changed its name to Atlantic University (AU) in August 2023, though it is still commonly referenced by its former name.

History and Institutional Identity

Atlantic University was founded in response to Guaynabo’s need for a local institution of higher education, as well as the growing demand for digital arts expertise in the commercial sector. It is the first university founded in Guaynabo and is located in the city’s historical district, facing the central plaza, an area that preserves the distinctive Spanish colonial-style architecture characteristic of Puerto Rico’s towns.

The institution is operated by Atlantic University, Inc., a non-profit corporation established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and registered with the U.S. State Department. Its mission is to deliver educational excellence through innovative teaching in arts, sciences, and technology, complemented by comprehensive student support services that foster personal growth and social responsibility.

Accreditation and Licensing

Atlantic University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). It also holds a Renewal License from the Board of Postsecondary Institutions of Puerto Rico. The institution is approved by the Puerto Rico State Approving Agency to provide academic training under various GI Bill® programs and is eligible for Federal Title IV Funds and state funds.

Atlantic University is a member of several professional organizations, including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, and the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association.

Academic Programs

Atlantic University offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, with a curriculum focused on digital arts, technology, and business. The institution operates on a trimester system.

The academic departments include:

  • General Education
  • Business Administration
  • Digital Cinematography Sciences
  • Digital Graphic Design
  • Digital Animation Sciences
  • Video Game Art and Design Sciences
  • Graduate Studies

The university also offers online master’s degree programs, extending its reach beyond the physical campus.

Facilities and Laboratories

Atlantic University’s facilities consist of six buildings with 54 specialized digital laboratories dedicated exclusively to its programs. These include:

  • Visualization Modeling and Simulation Laboratory (ViSiM Lab)
  • Spatial Computing and Virtual Reality Lab
  • Fabrication and 3D Printing Laboratory (FabLab)
  • Digital design, animation, audio, cinematography, find and photography labs
  • Cybersecurity laboratories
  • E-Sports facilities
  • An audio recording studio and photography studio
  • A postproduction laboratory

The main building houses the Information Resource Center, which provides library services, audiovisual materials, and remote access to databases. It is open to the community. The university also secured a grant from the Department of Education for its Modeling and Simulation Program, which aims to equip students with skills for the modeling and simulation industry.

Student Body and Outcomes

In 2020, Atlantic University enrolled approximately 1,429 students, comprising 1,365 undergraduates and 64 graduate students. The student body is 70% male and 30% female, with 100% Hispanic/Latino enrollment among domestic students.

The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 23:1 to 27:1. The six-year graduation rate is reported at 45%, with a four-year graduation rate of 18% and a retention rate of 76%.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2020-2021 academic year, tuition for full-time beginning undergraduate students was **$7,500** (in-district, in-state, and out-of-state rates are identical). Books and supplies are estimated at $1,000 annually.

Financial aid data from 2019 shows that 89% of entering students received federal grants, averaging **$5,415**. State/local grants were awarded to 34% of students, averaging $300. Total aid averaged $5,559 per student. The institution participates in federal financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans.

Conclusion

Atlantic University College (now Atlantic University) occupies a unique niche in Puerto Rico’s higher education landscape as a non-profit institution specializing in digital arts and technology. Its location in Guaynabo’s historic district, extensive specialized laboratories, and focus on creative industries give it a distinct identity among Caribbean colleges. For students seeking careers in digital animation, video game design, cinematography, or graphic design, Atlantic University offers a focused, you can try these out hands-on education supported by ACCSC accreditation and federal financial aid eligibility. Prospective students should weigh the institution’s relatively low tuition against its graduation rates and limited national recognition in rankings when evaluating fit for their educational and career goals.