At $30,528/yr net price, Miami Media School graduates earn $28,918/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,528 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $122,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,918/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,082/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,210/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,746/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,630/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Certificate | $19,531 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
64.8% of students at Miami Media School graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Miami Media School delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. Your median earnings of $28,918 ten years after graduation barely exceed what you could earn with just a high school diploma in many markets, yet you'll pay over $30,000 annually to attend.
The school's flagship Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program produces particularly troubling outcomes, with graduates earning a median of just $19,531 annually. This puts you well below the poverty line in Miami-Dade County, where the cost of living far exceeds what these wages can support. Even with the relatively modest debt load of $9,500, you'll struggle to make loan payments on such low income.
The 64.8% graduation rate adds another layer of risk. More than one in three students leave without completing their program, often still carrying debt but without credentials to show for it. For a short two-year program, this completion rate signals significant academic or financial challenges that derail students mid-program.
Miami's media market does offer entry-level opportunities, but the local job environment heavily favors candidates with bachelor's degrees or extensive portfolios. Most media positions that pay living wages require skills and credentials this program doesn't provide.
You should look elsewhere unless you have guaranteed employment lined up or family financial support that makes the poor return irrelevant. Consider community college media programs that cost significantly less, or four-year universities with stronger industry connections. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and substantial dropout risk makes this investment financially unsound for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miami Media School worth the cost compared to other media programs?
Miami Media School graduates earn $28,918 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $30,528 per year, the return on investment is poor compared to most four-year programs.
What is the job outlook for Miami Media School graduates?
The school's top program in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication shows graduates earning $19,531, which is significantly lower than the overall graduate average. The 64.80% graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their programs.
How much debt do Miami Media School students typically have?
The median debt for Miami Media School graduates is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to many private schools. However, the low earning potential means even this modest debt burden may be difficult to manage after graduation.
Are there better alternatives to Miami Media School for media careers?
Given the low earnings outcomes, students interested in media careers should consider community colleges or state universities with media programs that typically cost less and often lead to better job prospects.