Computer Engineering at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

UPR-Mayaguez's computer engineering program crushes every comparable option in Puerto Rico—graduates earn more than double what they would at the island's other engineering schools, placing this program in the 95th percentile statewide. At $83,545 starting out, these graduates are also outearning 73% of computer engineering programs nationwide, nearly matching earnings at top-tier mainland institutions. The $10,300 median debt is exceptional—just 42% of the national average for this degree, putting graduates in a dramatically better financial position than peers elsewhere.

The earnings plateau between year one and year four deserves attention, though in context it's less concerning than it appears. These graduates start strong and maintain that level, likely reflecting Puerto Rico's economic landscape rather than a program weakness. When 65% of students receive Pell grants and graduate with minimal debt into $83K+ salaries, the program is clearly delivering economic mobility, even if career trajectories differ from mainland patterns.

For families weighing in-state options, this is straightforward: UPR-Mayaguez offers computer engineering outcomes competitive with selective mainland programs at a fraction of the cost. The combination of low debt and strong immediate earnings creates genuine financial security—that 0.12 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in six weeks of work.