Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus

At first glance, the $17,746 starting salary seems alarmingly low—and it is compared to the mainland U.S., where similar programs typically launch graduates at $36,862. But context matters tremendously here. Within Puerto Rico's healthcare market, this program ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming most island alternatives. The starting salary beats the territory median of $12,093 by nearly 47%, and graduates see meaningful momentum with earnings climbing to $22,339 within four years—a 26% gain that suggests genuine career progression rather than a dead-end credential.

The financial burden is remarkably light: just $7,000 in debt means graduates are borrowing less than half a year's starting salary, a ratio that's manageable even with Puerto Rico's lower wage scale. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears designed for families who need affordable entry into healthcare careers without the crushing debt loads common at mainland institutions.

The tradeoff is clear: your child won't earn mainland wages, but they'll graduate with minimal debt into a field that offers upward mobility within Puerto Rico's economy. If staying on the island is the plan, this represents solid value—competitive pay for the territory and room to grow. If mainland opportunities are the goal after graduation, recognize that credential portability and wage expectations will need careful consideration.