Chemistry at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

UPR-Mayaguez's chemistry program tells a complicated story that hinges almost entirely on timing. Fresh graduates earn just $16,465—landing this program in the bottom 5% nationally and below the state median of $19,604. But four years out, median earnings jump to $49,485, more than doubling Puerto Rico's median for chemistry graduates and surpassing even the national benchmark. With the sample size under 30 graduates, however, these figures could easily shift year to year.

The $9,500 debt load provides some cushion during that difficult first year, though it won't ease the immediate financial strain. The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but when your first-year salary barely covers basic expenses, even modest debt payments matter. This pattern suggests many graduates may be pursuing additional education, working in research positions with deferred compensation, or facing a regional job market that rewards persistence over immediate placement.

For families considering this program: plan for a challenging financial start. If your child needs to earn meaningful income immediately after graduation, this creates real problems. But if they can weather 2-3 lean years—whether through family support, graduate school, or careful budgeting—the eventual payoff appears strong. The small sample size means you're betting on a trend that might not hold for every cohort.