Mechanical Engineering Technology at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

Aguadilla, PR · Public · Associate Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,847 students in Aguadilla, PR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $15,520 place University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla below the $43,886 national median for Mechanical Engineering Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 13.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $15,520 far exceeding the $4,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #22 ranking among 22 Mechanical Engineering Technology programs places University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 49 apprenticeship pathways connected to Mechanical Engineering Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

32 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
29
Low End
32
Score
33
High End
Earnings $15,520/yr (-65% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$162K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Program Tuition
$11,908
Median Debt at Graduation
$4,500
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760 +1.1% 58%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760
+1.1% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Mechanical Engineering Technology Career Guide

Mechanical Engineering Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Mechanical Engineering Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview

Mechanical Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering Technology at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
What's the typical debt for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates from University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla?
Median debt of just $4,500 against $15,520/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Why are Mechanical Engineering Technology earnings lower at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates?
Beyond University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla's classroom route, 49 registered apprenticeships map to Mechanical Engineering Technology careers — including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates from University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla find jobs?
At 87,000 annual openings, Mechanical Engineering Technology has a large employment base. University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →