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Natural Sciences at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

Cayey, PR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $11,821/yr (-63% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Medium (24,400 openings/yr)

ROI 21.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #8 of 11 Natural Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$463K	$464K	$452K
Earnings Multiple	21.6x	21.7x	21.1x
Probability of Field Employment	77%	74%	64%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	26	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$21,416

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$36,592

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$5,500

5.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$31,621

167% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $11,821/yr fall 63% below the $31,645 national median for Natural Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 21.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $5,500 in median debt against $11,821 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #8 ranking among 11 Natural Sciences programs places University of Puerto Rico at Cayey in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $11,821-to-$31,621 earnings arc over five years reflects a 167% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,201 in Cayey, PR. 76% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

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

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr

Physical scientists, all other $117,960/yr

Life scientists, all other $87,800/yr

View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Sciences at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is University of Puerto Rico at Cayey a good choice for Natural Sciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Puerto Rico at Cayey'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 →