Biology at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

A biology degree from UPR-Aguadilla starts at $14,610—less than half the Puerto Rico median for biology programs—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, earnings jump 46% to over $21,000, suggesting graduates either pursue additional training or need time to find positions that match their credentials. While this ranks at just the 40th percentile among Puerto Rico's 25 biology programs, the manageable $5,500 debt load means graduates aren't trapped by loan payments while building their careers.

The real concern is the gap between this program and stronger UPR campuses: biology graduates from Humacao and Bayamón earn over $22,000 from year one, with presumably similar tuition costs. The low initial earnings here—ranking in the bottom 5% nationally—likely reflect the economic realities of northwestern Puerto Rico rather than program quality, given that 82% of students receive Pell grants. Still, when comparing programs within the same university system and state, starting $8,000 behind peers matters.

For families committed to staying in the Aguadilla area, the minimal debt makes this workable, especially if your child plans to pursue graduate or professional school. But if location flexibility exists, other UPR campuses offer better immediate outcomes for likely similar costs.