Culinary Arts at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus

At $13,207 one year after graduation, this culinary program leaves graduates earning barely above minimum wage—sitting at just the 5th percentile nationally and below even Puerto Rico's already-modest median of $14,078 for culinary programs. The $8,975 in debt appears manageable on paper, but with earnings this low, that 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to meaningful financial strain for graduates trying to launch their careers. For context, NUC University's culinary program produces graduates earning $14,950—about 13% more—suggesting this isn't simply a Puerto Rico limitation.

The 70% Pell grant rate indicates most students here come from families that can least afford a degree with limited earning potential. While culinary careers can eventually offer pathways to higher earnings through experience and specialization, starting at barely $1,100 per month makes it difficult to service even modest student debt. The fact that this program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide—essentially middle-of-the-pack among Puerto Rico's seven culinary programs—suggests there are clearly better options available without leaving the island.

For families considering this program, the combination of rock-bottom national earnings and below-median local performance should prompt serious exploration of alternatives. Even among affordable culinary programs in Puerto Rico, this one underdelivers on the fundamental promise of helping graduates launch sustainable careers in the food service industry.