Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Automeca Technical College-Ponce

This automotive program offers a stark trade-off: exceptionally low debt but earnings that significantly lag national standards. At just $3,000 in student debt—far below the $11,000 national median—graduates avoid the debt burden that plagues many technical programs. However, first-year earnings of $15,287 place this program in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs elsewhere produce higher-earning graduates.

The Puerto Rico context tells a different story. Among the island's 12 automotive programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, performing competitively within the local market. The $19,507 fourth-year earnings represent solid 28% growth, suggesting graduates can advance their earning potential over time. With 97% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves a population seeking affordable workforce entry.

For families prioritizing minimal debt over maximum earnings, this program delivers—you're unlikely to find automotive training anywhere with lower financial risk. However, if your child might eventually seek opportunities on the mainland, they'll face a significant earnings gap compared to graduates from continental U.S. programs. This makes most sense for students committed to building careers in Puerto Rico's automotive sector, where the low debt load provides flexibility to grow earnings through experience rather than starting with heavy loan payments.