Analysis
Chemistry programs in Puerto Rico typically produce far lower starting earnings than the national median, with most reporting under $23,000 in first-year income. Based on comparable programs nationally, this Aguadilla campus might see earnings around $42,000—a figure that would be exceptional for Puerto Rico if it holds true, but one we can't verify from actual graduate outcomes here. That $43,000 estimate comes from national data across 205 programs, not from tracked graduates of this specific school.
The estimated debt of roughly $25,000 tells a similar story of uncertainty. While this would represent a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 if those national-level earnings materialize, Puerto Rico's chemistry programs show a very different pattern: the state median sits at just $19,600, with debt around $13,000. Even the top-performing Puerto Rico chemistry program reports earnings of only $22,700—half the estimated figure here. That gap matters enormously when evaluating whether this investment makes sense.
With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on chemistry degrees to deliver economic mobility. The lack of verifiable outcomes data—coupled with the stark difference between national estimates and what other Puerto Rico programs actually report—makes this a high-stakes gamble. Before committing, press the school directly for placement rates and where recent chemistry graduates actually work and earn.
Where Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,542 | $42,581* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $5,364 | $22,743* | $43,253 | —* | — | |
| $5,274 | $16,465* | $49,485 | $9,500* | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $42,581* | — | $24,000* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla, approximately 84% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.