Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Ponce, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
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 17.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #725 of 822 Biology, General programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for General Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce highlight the unique economic realities of the region. While the discipline itself offers diverse paths, the local labor market for science graduates in Puerto Rico is significantly different from the mainland U.S. There are fewer large-scale research institutions or biotech companies, meaning graduates often find entry-level roles in clinical settings, education, or government agencies, which typically offer lower compensation. Many students also pursue this degree as a stepping stone to medical school or other advanced health professions, where initial bachelor's earnings are not the primary goal. To maximize your career prospects, consider combining your biology background with in-demand skills, exploring opportunities on the mainland for higher-paying research or industry roles, or planning for immediate graduate study.

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 17.3x 17.4x 16.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$25,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,328
-59% 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-Ponce

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 3,827 in Ponce, PR. 81% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

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

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-Ponce

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
A score of 27/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biology careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $423,808 in decade earnings vs $437,809 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biology from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →