At $5,929/yr net price, Miami Dade College graduates earn $40,654/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,654/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,929 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,654/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,654/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,252 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,108/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,372/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,830/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,796/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,102/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,964 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $54,435 | $10,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $49,136 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | $10,459 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,217 | $8,500 |
The Risk Factor
44.7% of students at Miami Dade College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Miami Dade College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare students but weak outcomes for liberal arts majors. At $5,929 per year, the low net price makes this one of the most affordable four-year options in Florida.
Nursing graduates earn $55,964 annually with manageable debt of $9,500, creating excellent ROI given the Miami area's high demand for healthcare workers. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties reaching $54,435 in median earnings. These healthcare tracks position you for stable careers in South Florida's growing medical sector.
Liberal arts graduates face financial challenges with earnings of just $22,217 per year. This income barely covers living costs in Miami's expensive market, making general studies a risky choice unless you plan to transfer or pursue additional training.
The 44.7% graduation rate poses significant risk. More than half of students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. You must stay focused on completion to avoid this trap.
This college works best for career-focused students targeting healthcare fields or using Miami Dade as an affordable stepping stone to a four-year degree elsewhere. The low cost makes experimenting less expensive than at other institutions. Avoid this school if you want traditional campus life or need extensive academic support, as the completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish.
Financial aid covers less than half of students, so expect to pay most costs out of pocket. The low sticker price means merit aid opportunities are limited, but the affordability reduces your need for external funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miami Dade College worth the money?
At $5,929 per year, Miami Dade College offers strong value for healthcare programs where graduates earn $49,000-$56,000 annually. However, with a 44% graduation rate and liberal arts graduates earning just $22,000, success depends heavily on choosing the right program and finishing your degree.
What are the best paying programs at Miami Dade College?
Nursing programs lead Miami Dade College's earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning $55,964 and nursing administration reaching similar levels. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $54,435, while liberal arts graduates face much lower earning potential at $22,217.
How much debt do Miami Dade College graduates have?
Miami Dade College graduates leave with a median debt of $9,252, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. The manageable debt load makes the college a reasonable choice for students who complete healthcare programs, though liberal arts majors may struggle to repay even this amount.
What is the graduation rate at Miami Dade College?
Miami Dade College has a 44.7% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't finish their programs. This completion risk is the biggest threat to ROI at the school, as students who drop out still face debt without the credential needed for higher-paying jobs.