Analysis
The estimated figures here tell an encouraging story that differs sharply from other chemistry programs in Puerto Rico. While the state median for chemistry graduates sits at just $19,604, similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $42,500—more than double the typical Puerto Rican outcome. Even the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao, the state's earnings leader in this field, reports $22,743. If Ana G. Mendez-Cupey's program aligns with national norms rather than local ones, that would represent an unusually strong return for the region.
The estimated $25,000 in debt adds context to this picture. That's roughly double Puerto Rico's typical chemistry debt of $12,875, but with earnings potentially exceeding $40,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 remains manageable—graduates would owe about seven months of their first year's salary. For comparison, many Puerto Rican chemistry programs produce ratios exceeding 0.65 despite lower absolute debt because earnings lag so far behind.
The critical question is whether this program actually delivers national-level outcomes or follows the state pattern. With 69% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are banking on strong post-graduation returns. Before committing, press the school directly for their graduates' actual placement rates and starting salaries. The estimates suggest promise, but you need concrete evidence that this campus breaks from Puerto Rico's typical chemistry employment trajectory.
Where Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,920 | $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 Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus, approximately 69% 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.