Biologyat Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
Graduates earn $17,632/yr in their first year — about 45.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $441K; scenarios range from $424K to $438K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
The earnings profile for General Biology at PCUPR-Arecibo reflects the distinct economic realities within Puerto Rico. While your degree will equip you with a solid scientific foundation, the local job market for graduates without further specialization or advanced degrees often presents more modest compensation compared to opportunities on the mainland U.S. Many students leverage this foundational biology degree as a stepping stone to medical school, a Ph.D., or other advanced health and science professions, which typically unlock higher earning potential later. However, initial roles like lab technicians, research assistants, or educators on the island can start lower. The limited number of higher-paying research or biotech industry positions in the immediate Arecibo region means strong competition. To maximize your prospects, consider gaining practical lab experience early and actively exploring pathways to advanced degrees or specialized certifications that align with your career goals, potentially even considering opportunities off-island.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biology
How Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
At 27/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.