Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

The first thing to understand about this biology program is context: while earnings trail the national average by nearly $15,000, they actually rank above the 60th percentile among Puerto Rico's 25 biology programs—and they're improving quickly, with 38% growth from year one to year four. The $17,632 starting salary may sound low, but it's competitive within the island's economy and closely matches what graduates earn from other Pontifical Catholic campuses. That said, the $18,500 in debt is nearly double the Puerto Rico median for this major ($9,500), which creates real pressure early in graduates' careers when a debt-to-earnings ratio over 1.0 means loan payments could consume a significant portion of take-home pay.

The institution serves a predominantly low-income student population (83% receive Pell grants), and many biology graduates likely pursue healthcare or research careers that require additional degrees. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation in Puerto Rico, the debt burden is worth scrutinizing closely—that $18,500 represents more than a full year's starting salary. However, if this degree is a stepping stone to graduate or professional school, the relatively moderate debt load compared to mainland programs becomes more manageable.

For families committed to staying in Puerto Rico, this program performs reasonably well within the local market, but explore whether the University of Puerto Rico system might offer similar outcomes with lower debt. The math works better if earnings continue their upward trajectory and your child has a clear plan for year five and beyond.