Biological and Biomedical Sciences at University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon

The dramatic earnings trajectory tells much of this story: graduates start at just $11,062 but see their income more than double by year four. While that first-year figure lands in the 12th percentile nationally—raising legitimate concerns about immediate job prospects—it actually beats the Puerto Rico median for biology programs by about 20%. This context matters because most graduates will likely seek employment locally, where this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide.

The minimal debt load of $5,500 fundamentally changes the risk equation. Even with weak first-year earnings, graduates owe less than half what the typical biology major carries nationally. This keeps the degree accessible rather than financially burdensome, particularly important given that 78% of students receive Pell grants. By year four, when earnings reach nearly $28,000, the debt becomes almost negligible—though these numbers still lag far behind the national biology median of $30,178.

The critical caveat: these figures reflect fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary substantially. For families comparing Puerto Rico options and comfortable with lower initial earnings, this program offers reasonable value through its combination of manageable debt and strong earning growth. However, students aspiring to competitive research positions or mainland opportunities should understand they're starting from a significant earnings disadvantage compared to U.S. programs.