Design and Applied Arts at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus

The $7,580 first-year earnings figure here looks alarming until you realize this program actually ranks in the 60th percentile among Puerto Rico's design programs—meaning the entire sector on the island faces dramatically different economic conditions than the mainland. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, this school serves a predominantly low-income population navigating Puerto Rico's challenging job market, where design graduates typically start at wages that would be considered poverty-level by U.S. standards. The debt load of $11,250 is at least manageable compared to the national median of $26,880 for these programs.

The earnings trajectory from $7,580 to $27,344 over four years suggests graduates may need time to build portfolios and connections before finding stable work. While $27,344 still falls well short of the $33,563 national median, it represents significant growth within Puerto Rico's economy. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means one or two outlier experiences could skew these numbers considerably in either direction.

For families considering this program, the calculation depends entirely on staying in Puerto Rico versus mainland opportunities. If your child plans to work on the island after graduation, these outcomes align with local market realities. If they're aiming for mainland positions, they'll likely face stronger competition from programs with better industry connections and higher earnings tracks—though the relatively low debt keeps the downside risk limited.