Analysis
Chemistry programs across Puerto Rico show wide variation in early career outcomes, with reported earnings ranging from roughly $16,000 to $23,000 first year. National peer programs suggest this degree could yield around $42,600 initially—more than double the Puerto Rico median of $19,600—though without actual graduate data from Inter American-Metro, it's impossible to know where this specific program lands in that range.
The estimated debt of roughly $25,000 appears manageable against national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.6 if graduates achieve those projected earnings. However, if outcomes align more closely with the Puerto Rico median, that same debt becomes considerably more burdensome—over a year's salary. The institution serves predominantly Pell-eligible students (66%), which suggests many families are already managing financial constraints before adding student debt to the equation.
Here's what matters: you're making a decision based entirely on projections from other schools' chemistry programs rather than evidence of what Inter American-Metro chemistry graduates actually earn. Before committing, contact the school's career services directly to ask about recent graduate outcomes—where alumni work, what they earn, whether they pursue graduate school. That concrete information about this program's track record matters far more than national estimates that may bear little resemblance to the local job market these graduates will actually enter.
Where Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,580 | $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-Metro, approximately 66% 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.