Biology at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

The $13,624 starting salary from this program is sobering—it places below every other biology program in Puerto Rico and ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally. Even with 77% earnings growth over four years, graduates reach only $24,078, still well below the island's $16,945 median for biology degrees. To put this in perspective, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao graduates start near what this program's graduates earn after four years. While the relatively modest $11,000 debt load keeps the financial burden manageable compared to mainland programs, it still represents 81% of first-year earnings when many graduates may be earning less than minimum wage in formal employment sectors.

The data suggests either significant underemployment or graduates pursuing paths that don't immediately utilize their degrees. With two-thirds of students on Pell grants, many may be working in family businesses, informal economy positions, or roles that don't appear in traditional employment databases. The earnings trajectory shows potential, but even year-four earnings barely exceed Puerto Rico's overall median income.

For families considering this program, understand that your child will likely face several years of very low earnings, even compared to other Puerto Rican biology programs. If graduate school or medical school is the plan, factor in the opportunity cost of those early years. If direct employment is the goal, the UPR system offers demonstrably stronger outcomes at lower total cost.