Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

UPR-Mayaguez engineering graduates earn $77,221 their first year out—placing them in the 80th percentile among Puerto Rico's engineering programs and nearly matching the national median of $77,710. That's a remarkable outcome considering the program costs just $10,000 in median debt, roughly 40% of the national average for this degree. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in months rather than years, even while establishing themselves professionally.

The contrast with other Puerto Rico programs is stark: UPR-Mayaguez graduates out-earn the island's median engineering graduate by nearly $25,000 annually. While the university's 52% admission rate suggests reasonable accessibility, the 65% Pell grant rate indicates it's effectively serving students who might otherwise struggle to afford quality engineering education. Earnings tick up modestly to $81,619 by year four—steady progression rather than dramatic growth, but from an already strong starting point.

For families weighing in-state options, this represents exceptional value: near-national-level earnings at a fraction of the typical cost. The financial risk here is minimal, and graduates enter the workforce with genuine flexibility rather than being forced into immediate high-paying positions just to service debt.