Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Arecibo, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,632/yr (-45% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 17.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #724 of 822 Biology, General programs

Program Analysis

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.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $438K $441K $424K
Earnings Multiple 17.5x 17.7x 17.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$24,952
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$37,684
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,375
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,165
82% growth from Year 1

About Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

A 85% acceptance rate means Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 273 in Arecibo, PR. 76% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →