Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

The $15,520 first-year salary from this program raises immediate concerns—it's less than a third of the national median for mechanical engineering technology graduates. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile within Puerto Rico, that context matters less than the absolute number: graduates are earning barely above minimum wage despite completing a technical degree. The small sample size (under 30 students) means these figures could shift dramatically, but the pattern suggests limited local demand for this credential or a mismatch between the program and higher-paying opportunities.

The one positive signal is minimal debt. At $4,500, graduates carry far less burden than the national median of $15,387, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 still means nearly a third of a year's salary goes toward repayment. For a family already stretched financially—82% of students receive Pell grants—even modest debt becomes significant when paired with such low earnings. The question isn't whether students can afford the payments, but whether this degree opens doors that justify two years of education when immediate employment might offer similar wages.

For families considering this program, the priority should be understanding local employment prospects. If mechanical technician roles in the Aguadilla region genuinely pay this little, students might explore whether mainland opportunities exist post-graduation or whether alternative technical fields offer better returns in Puerto Rico's economy.