Median Earnings (1yr)
$17,011
5th percentile (60th in PR)
Median Debt
$3,794
66% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22
Manageable
Sample Size
431
Adequate data

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 load—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

Mech-Tech CollegeOther vehicle maintenance and repair technologies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Mech-Tech College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Mech-Tech College graduates earn $17k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Mech-Tech College$17,011$19,120$3,7940.22
Automeca Technical College-Aguadilla$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Automeca Technical College-Bayamon$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Automeca Technical College-Caguas$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Automeca Technical College-Ponce$15,287$19,507$3,0000.20
Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia$11,000
National Median$35,905$11,0000.31

Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Puerto Rico

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Puerto Rico schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Automeca Technical College-Aguadilla
Aguadilla
$8,895$15,287$3,000
Automeca Technical College-Bayamon
Bayamon
$8,895$15,287$3,000
Automeca Technical College-Caguas
Caguas
$8,895$15,287$3,000
Automeca Technical College-Ponce
Ponce
$8,895$15,287$3,000
Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia
San Juan
$8,325$11,000

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.