Plant Sciences at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

UPR-Mayaguez's Plant Sciences program delivers remarkably low debt ($9,200 versus a national median of $20,500), but the earnings picture requires careful consideration. Graduates start at just over $30,000—placing this program in the bottom 5th percentile nationally—though it represents the only such program in Puerto Rico. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 is manageable, meaning most graduates can theoretically pay off their loans within four to five months of their first-year salary. However, starting salaries remain roughly $13,000 below what similar programs produce nationally.

The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, reaching nearly $34,000 by year four. For students committed to agricultural careers in Puerto Rico—where living costs are lower than the mainland and the local agricultural sector may value Spanish fluency and regional knowledge—this could work. The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (65%), suggesting it fulfills an important access mission for students who might not otherwise pursue agricultural science degrees.

The critical question is career location. If your child plans to work in Puerto Rico's agricultural sector or government agencies, these earnings may be sufficient. If they're aiming for mainland positions in plant sciences, they'll likely face a significant earnings gap compared to graduates from other programs. The minimal debt means there's financial flexibility to relocate or pursue graduate education, but the baseline earnings suggest this degree alone won't command competitive mainland salaries.