Home Schools University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Biology
Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #560 of 822

Biologyat University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Graduates earn $10,934/yr in their first year — about 66.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $630K; scenarios range from $570K to $640K depending on AI disruption.

Mayaguez, PR Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
34 AT RISK
35
Optimistic
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$10,934
1-year post-graduation
ROI
19.4x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$630K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

The earnings data for this program reflects the distinct economic landscape of Puerto Rico. While a general biology degree provides a robust scientific foundation, the local labor market for entry-level biological roles typically offers lower compensation compared to the mainland U.S. Many graduates find opportunities in local government agencies, educational institutions, or environmental monitoring.

Successfully navigating this market often means either pursuing advanced degrees—such as medical school or specialized graduate programs—or strategically targeting specific niches within Puerto Rico's limited biotech or pharmaceutical sectors. Some also leverage their degree as a stepping stone to mainland opportunities where salaries for similar roles are significantly higher. Your actionable advice is to develop a very clear post-graduation strategy early on, focusing on internships, networking, and understanding how your skills translate directly to local employer needs or advanced study pathways.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$570K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score33/100
Earnings Multiple27.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$630K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score34/100
Earnings Multiple29.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$640K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score35/100
Earnings Multiple30.3x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Biology graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
3
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
4
Life scientists, all other
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 400 openings/yr
$87,800/yr
Low
5
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
6
Forensic science technicians
+12.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$67,440/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Biology

How University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of San Diego
CA · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
2.1x
ROI
Trinity College
CT · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
MA · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Edgewood College
WI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Shepherd University
WV · Public
59
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Other top programs at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biology at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?

At 34/100, 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 University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?

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 University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.