Microbiology & Immunology at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Arecibo, PR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $15,654/yr (-59% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (132,600 openings/yr)
ROI 21.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #55 of 57 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs

Program Analysis

The outcomes for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology from UPR-Arecibo reflect a challenging regional labor market for specialized scientific fields. While Puerto Rico has some pharmaceutical and biotech presence, the *demand* for bachelor's level microbiologists often doesn't match the supply, especially in Arecibo. Many graduates find entry-level roles in labs or quality control, which may not offer high starting salaries or rapid advancement without further education. The listed high-paying careers typically require advanced degrees (Master's, PhD, or MD) and significant experience, making them less common for initial bachelor's graduates. Furthermore, the high AI risk indicates many foundational lab tasks are increasingly automated, narrowing entry points. If this field deeply interests you, plan strategically: pursue internships aggressively to build practical skills, network within the limited local industry, and seriously consider graduate studies or a willingness to relocate to more robust biotech hubs immediately after graduation to unlock better prospects.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Microbiology & Immunology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $446K $448K $432K
Earnings Multiple 20.9x 21.0x 20.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 51% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$21,296
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,036
-121% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,000
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,364
107% growth from Year 1

About University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo's 62% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,788 students in Arecibo, PR. 86% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

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

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Microbiology & Immunology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo's Microbiology & Immunology program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Microbiology & Immunology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Microbiology & Immunology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Microbiology & Immunology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Microbiology & Immunology earnings lower at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo?
Lower starting pay at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →