Culinary Arts at Escuela Hotelera de San Juan

Starting at just over $10,000 annually might alarm any parent, but this program's 75% earnings growth over four years tells a more complex story. While Escuela Hotelera graduates initially earn well below Puerto Rico's median for culinary programs ($12,566), they reach $17,665 by year four—outpacing several competing schools whose graduates see less growth. The extremely low debt load of $3,500 (matching the PR median and far below the national figure of $11,634) means graduates aren't financially trapped while building their careers in an industry where advancement typically comes through experience rather than credentials.

The concerning reality is that even after strong growth, these earnings remain in the bottom 5th percentile nationally—a reflection of both Puerto Rico's wage environment and the broader challenges facing culinary careers. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here are making education decisions within significant financial constraints, where minimizing debt may matter more than maximizing initial earnings.

For families who can absorb minimal earnings during the first few years post-graduation, the combination of negligible debt and demonstrated income growth creates manageable risk. But parents should understand their child will likely need family support or a second income source early on, and that even the improved four-year earnings remain modest. The low debt means this program won't derail financial futures, but it also won't quickly transform them.