Median Earnings (1yr)
$17,011
5th percentile
60th percentile in Puerto Rico
Median Debt
$3,794
66% below national median

Analysis

Despite earning in just the 5th percentile nationally, Mech-Tech College's automotive program actually performs above average within Puerto Rico, ranking in the 60th percentile among the island's 12 automotive programs. The $19,120 median earnings four years out beat the Puerto Rico median of $15,287 for this field, though they remain roughly half of what similar programs produce on the mainland ($35,905 nationally).

The program's standout feature is its remarkably low debt loadβ€”just $3,794 compared to $11,000 nationally and $3,000 across Puerto Rico. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of steady work. With 92% of students receiving Pell grants, this affordable approach clearly serves its low-income student population well.

For families considering this program, the math works differently than mainland alternatives. While the absolute earnings are modest, the minimal debt burden and above-average performance within the local market make this a practical path to steady employment. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and competitive prospects within Puerto Rico's automotive sector, though opportunities for dramatic income growth appear limited based on the modest 12% earnings increase over four years.

Where Mech-Tech College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Mech-Tech College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Mech-Tech College$17,011$19,120+12%
Automeca Technical College-Aguadilla$15,287$19,507+28%
Automeca Technical College-Bayamon$15,287$19,507+28%
Automeca Technical College-Caguas$15,287$19,507+28%
Automeca Technical College-Ponce$15,287$19,507+28%

Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (12 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Mech-Tech CollegeCaguas$11,394$17,011$19,120$3,7940.22
Automeca Technical College-AguadillaAguadilla$8,895$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Automeca Technical College-BayamonBayamon$8,895$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Automeca Technical College-CaguasCaguas$8,895$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Automeca Technical College-PoncePonce$8,895$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Liceo de Arte y TecnologiaSan Juan$8,325$11,000β€”β€”β€”
National Medianβ€”$35,905β€”$11,0000.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Mech-Tech College, approximately 92% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 431 graduates with reported earnings and 258 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.