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$2,838Tuition
35,001Students
45%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,654Earnings
Public4-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College serves over 35,000 students across multiple campuses in one of America's most international cities. This community college has built a reputation as a gateway for students who want to start their college journey affordably or earn career-focused credentials. The student body reflects Miami's diversity, with 71.84% Hispanic students and learners from around the world. Classes average 17 students per faculty member, which means you'll get more personal attention than at most large universities.

The financial picture makes MDC attractive to cost-conscious families. In-state students pay just $2,838 in tuition, and the average student pays $5,929 after financial aid. That's a bargain compared to four-year universities. Graduates earn a median of $40,654 ten years after starting, with monthly loan payments of only $98 for those who borrow. The median debt of $9,252 is manageable compared to the earning potential. Students from families making under $30,000 pay an average of $5,108 after aid.

The Sharks compete in five sports through the NJCAA, though athletics isn't the main draw here. What matters more is that 91.6% of graduates find employment, and nearly all students (99.21%) are Florida residents who stay close to home while building career skills in one of America's major economic centers.

Academics & Faculty

Miami Dade College serves as Florida's largest community college system, offering associate degrees and certificate programs that prepare students for immediate careers or transfer to four-year universities. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its 35,001 students, classes stay relatively small despite the massive enrollment. The college is known for strong programs in nursing, aviation, business, and culinary arts, plus solid transfer pathways to state universities. However, the 44.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or face financial challenges. The school excels at providing affordable education to Miami's diverse population, with particularly strong support for students planning to transfer to complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
20.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
44.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,654

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $55,964
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $54,435
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $49,136
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $39,369
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $22,217

View all 114 programs →

Campus Life

Miami Dade College sprawls across eight campuses throughout Miami-Dade County, with most students attending the main Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami. You'll need sunscreen year-round since Miami averages 248 sunny days annually and temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees. Winter coats are unnecessary here.

Since this is a community college, nearly all students commute from home or local apartments. With 99.21% of students from in-state and 71.84% Hispanic, the campus reflects Miami's active Latino culture. You'll hear Spanish and English in hallways and study groups. Most students work part-time jobs while taking classes, creating a busy, practical atmosphere where people focus on getting their degree efficiently rather than traditional college social life.

Weekends often mean heading to South Beach, exploring Little Havana, or working shifts at local businesses. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but don't expect big football games or Greek life. This is a place where students come to learn skills, transfer to four-year universities, or advance their careers while staying close to family and keeping costs low.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1959

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 6 0 1 0
Fondling 4 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
61°–73°F
July Avg
78°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
57.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Miami Dade College serves the heart of South Florida's working-class communities, with 72% of students being Hispanic and 99% coming from in-state. This reflects Miami's demographics and the school's role as an affordable pathway for local families seeking better opportunities. Women make up 58% of the student body, drawn to the college's strong nursing, education, and healthcare programs. With 45% of students receiving Pell Grants, MDC functions as an economic ladder for first-generation college students who need flexibility to work while earning their degrees.
Men
42.0%
Women
58.0%
White
3.8%
Black
13.9%
Hispanic
71.8%
Asian
1.0%
In-State Students
99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
45.0%

Location

Miami Dade College sits in Miami, Florida, one of the largest cities in the southeastern United States. The college operates across multiple campuses throughout Miami-Dade County, serving a metropolitan area of over 2.7 million people. Students here experience true big-city life, with beaches, international business, and a heavily Hispanic culture that matches the school's demographics (71.84% of students are Hispanic). The warm climate and coastal location attract students year-round, though nearly all students are Florida residents (99.21% in-state). Miami's economy centers on tourism, international trade, and finance, giving students access to internships and jobs in these growing fields. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Miami Dade College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Miami, Florida 33132-2204
StevenBauer08
StevenBauer08
Steve Carlton
Steve Carlton
Harry Wayne Casey
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After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,654
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,189
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,800
Loan Repayment Rate
40.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$98/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,252

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Miami Dade College?

Miami Dade College operates as an open-access institution, meaning all students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. With over 35,000 students, it serves as the largest community college system in the country and a major gateway to higher education in South Florida.

How much does Miami Dade College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,929 annually at Miami Dade College. About 45% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,108 per year after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Miami Dade College?

Miami Dade College maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its eight campuses. The college is known for its strong workforce development programs and partnerships with local employers in Miami's diverse economy.

What are the graduation rates at Miami Dade College?

Miami Dade College has a 44.7% six-year graduation rate, which is competitive for community colleges serving predominantly first-generation students. Graduates earn a median of $40,654 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready programs.

Where is Miami Dade College located and what is campus life like?

Miami Dade College operates multiple campuses throughout Miami-Dade County, serving a predominantly Hispanic student body (71.8%) that reflects the local community. The college fields five varsity sports teams known as the Sharks and awards over $1.2 million in athletic scholarships.

Does Miami Dade College help students find employment after graduation?

Miami Dade College boasts a 91.6% employment rate for its graduates, demonstrating strong connections to Miami's job market. Students graduate with a median debt of just $9,252 and monthly loan payments of only $98, making it an affordable pathway to career advancement.