Biology at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

The $11,923 first-year salary is jarring at first glance—bottom 5% nationally—but the real story here is trajectory. By year four, earnings jump to $34,180, which actually exceeds the national median for biology graduates. That 187% growth rate suggests many graduates pursue additional credentials or start in unpaid research positions before landing stronger opportunities. With just $5,500 in debt (95th percentile for low debt), students have the financial cushion to pursue those paths.

Context matters significantly: this program ranks at the 25th percentile among Puerto Rico's biology programs, trailing schools like UPR-Humacao and UPR-Bayamon by substantial margins. Those institutions deliver $22,000+ starting salaries while maintaining similarly low debt loads. The gap persists even after four years—this program's $34,180 looks stronger nationally but lags within PR's context. For a family weighing in-state options, those higher-performing UPR campuses merit serious consideration.

The minimal debt makes this program low-risk if your student plans to pursue medical school, graduate research, or other advanced degrees where the bachelor's is a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. However, if they need immediate post-graduation income, the challenging first year and middling performance compared to peer PR institutions should factor heavily into your decision.