Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Columbia Central University-Caguas

Caguas, PR · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 2,494 students in Caguas, PR.

Program Analysis

Columbia Central University-Caguas's Ophthalmic & Optometric Services graduates start at $18,613/yr, trailing the $35,459 national average by 48%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 13.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Ophthalmic & Optometric Services programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Ophthalmic & Optometric Services's career paths, with 31% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $10,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $18,613 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #17 of 17 Ophthalmic & Optometric Services programs, Columbia Central University-Caguas falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services, including Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens (median $46,560/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

31 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
27
Low End
31
Score
31
High End
Earnings $18,613/yr (-48% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (69% shielded)
Job Market Medium (19,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$196K
1.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$14,628
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Opticians, dispensing $46,560 +2.9% 71%
Ophthalmic medical technicians $44,080 +19.8% 67%
Opticians, dispensing
$46,560
+2.9% growth 71% AI-proof
Ophthalmic medical technicians
$44,080
+19.8% growth 67% AI-proof

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Columbia Central University-Caguas and 16 other schools.

Read the full Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Overview

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbia Central University-Caguas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Columbia Central University-Caguas?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is Columbia Central University-Caguas a good choice for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Columbia Central University-Caguas may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services?
Yes — 2 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career paths, including Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Columbia Central University-Caguas.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →