Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Automeca Technical College-Caguas

Automeca Technical College-Caguas occupies an unusual position: its graduates earn roughly one-third of the national median for electronics technician programs ($10,794 versus $34,287), yet the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Puerto Rico's 19 schools offering this credential. The first-year earnings of $10,794 reflect Puerto Rico's economic reality rather than program quality—several Automeca campuses report identical figures, and only NUC University's program significantly outperforms at $27,446. The low debt load of $3,500 matters here: with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, graduates aren't being buried by loans while earning local wages.

The 82% earnings jump to $19,659 by year four suggests graduates do gain marketable skills, though they remain far below mainland technicians' pay. For families already in Puerto Rico, especially the 97% receiving Pell grants, this represents accessible technical training without dangerous debt levels. However, any student expecting mainland job prospects should reconsider—these earnings won't support relocation costs or mainland living expenses.

The practical question: Is your child committed to working in Puerto Rico's economy? If so, this delivers technical credentials at minimal cost. If they're hoping to eventually move to the mainland for higher wages, the opportunity cost of earning $10,794 while peers on the mainland start near $34,000 makes this a harder sell, even with the low debt.