Mechanical Engineering at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon

With first-year earnings at just $35,250—roughly half the national median for mechanical engineering grads—this program lands in the bottom 5% nationally. Even within Puerto Rico, where engineering salaries run lower than the mainland, these graduates earn about 30% less than the territory's $50,060 median. The state's top program, UPR-Mayaguez, produces graduates earning nearly double what Bayamon's do right out of school.

The earnings trajectory shows improvement—graduates nearly double their income by year four, reaching $54,268—but they're still catching up to what peers at better programs earn immediately. The relatively modest debt load of $17,550 is a genuine advantage compared to the national $24,755 median, making this affordable to attend. However, that 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one reflects the challenging initial salary picture, even with lower borrowing.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, so they may not reflect your student's likely outcome. For a family considering mechanical engineering in Puerto Rico, UPR-Mayaguez represents a substantially stronger investment if admission is possible. Bayamon serves a predominantly low-income student population (81% receive Pell grants), so its value may lie more in accessibility than optimal outcomes. If your student can gain admission to a stronger engineering program—in Puerto Rico or elsewhere—the salary difference would likely outweigh any additional cost.