Biology at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

At $17,638 in first-year earnings, this program starts near the bottom nationally (5th percentile), but here's what matters for Puerto Rican families: it outperforms 60% of biology programs on the island while carrying remarkably low debt. More importantly, earnings nearly double by year four to $36,318—reaching the 75th percentile nationally and surpassing every other PR biology program except UPR-Humacao and Bayamón. The debt burden of $5,500 is unusually manageable, well below the $9,500 state median and a fraction of the $25,000 typical nationally.

This earnings trajectory suggests graduates are either pursuing additional credentials or transitioning into better-paying roles, which is common for biology majors heading toward healthcare or research positions. The low initial earnings likely reflect Puerto Rico's economic context and the prevalence of graduate school preparation among biology students. However, the 106% earnings growth indicates the program effectively prepares students for upward mobility.

For families at this open-access institution where three-quarters of students receive Pell grants, the value proposition is straightforward: minimal debt burden with strong long-term earning potential relative to island alternatives. The program won't deliver mainland salaries immediately, but it provides an affordable pathway to competitive regional outcomes without the debt trap that often accompanies biology degrees elsewhere.