Agricultural Mechanization at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

This program's numbers tell a complicated story that requires looking past the initial earnings shock. Yes, starting at $28,227 puts graduates in the bottom 5% nationally for agricultural mechanization—but that figure reflects Puerto Rico's fundamentally different economic context. The island's median household income hovers around $22,000, making this starting salary more competitive locally than national comparisons suggest. The 60th percentile ranking among Puerto Rico agricultural mechanization programs confirms graduates aren't being shortchanged relative to local opportunities.

What really stands out is the trajectory: earnings nearly double to $49,269 by year four, suggesting this degree opens doors to technical and management roles that take time to access. Combined with just $9,750 in debt—less than half the national median—the program delivers a manageable financial start. For families prioritizing low debt while building toward skilled agricultural careers in Puerto Rico, those fundamentals work.

The critical caveat: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could swing significantly with different cohorts. For students committed to staying in Puerto Rico and interested in agricultural technology and equipment management, this represents an affordable path into a specialized field. Those expecting mainland salaries or immediate high earnings should recalibrate expectations accordingly.