Mechanical Engineering at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus

For a Puerto Rican school serving 83% Pell recipients, this program manages debt remarkably well at $16,197—far below the $24,755 national median and placing it in the top 5% nationally for affordability. But the earnings picture tells a puzzling story: first-year salaries appear strong at an estimated $70,745 based on comparable mechanical engineering programs nationwide, yet by year four, graduates are earning just $53,763. That's a significant drop rather than the growth you'd expect, and it falls short of the $64,869 that University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez graduates achieve, suggesting either retention challenges in higher-paying roles or initial placement into positions that don't offer advancement.

The low debt load offers real protection—even at the lower fourth-year figure, the debt burden remains manageable. However, the trajectory raises questions about whether this program adequately prepares students for the competitive positions that mechanical engineers typically secure, or whether graduates face barriers unique to their circumstances. The estimated first-year figure comes from national peers, so it may not reflect the actual local market these students enter. The concrete number you have—$53,763 at year four—is what matters for planning, and at that level, the program delivers a reasonable return on investment despite the apparent career stagnation.