Miami Dade College offers exceptional affordability with net prices well below national and peer benchmarks. Average net price stands at $5,929, compared to a peer median of $14,170, creating an $8,241 annual cost advantage for students.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $5,463 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,822 |
| $30–48k | $5,314 |
| $48–75k | $7,613 |
| $75–110k | $9,530 |
| $110k+ | $9,180 |
Miami Dade College offers exceptional affordability with net prices well below national and peer benchmarks. Average net price stands at $5,929, compared to a peer median of $14,170, creating an $8,241 annual cost advantage for students. In-state tuition remains minimal at $2,838, while out-of-state tuition reaches $9,661, both representing significant savings compared to typical four-year institutions.
The affordability index ranks at the 96.1st percentile with top-tier performance, reflecting controlled costs across all income levels. Net prices range from $5,108 for the lowest-income families to $9,102 for the highest-income families, demonstrating a progressive pricing structure that maintains accessibility. This cost structure, combined with open enrollment policies, removes financial barriers that typically prevent college access for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Miami Dade College serves a predominantly low-income student population with 45.0% of students receiving Pell grants, well above typical four-year institution rates. The minimal gap between sticker prices and net prices across income levels suggests that the institution's low tuition structure, rather than extensive financial aid, drives affordability outcomes.
This approach creates transparency in college costs while ensuring that families across income levels can access higher education without complex aid negotiations. The 34.2% transfer student share indicates that many students utilize Miami Dade College as an affordable pathway to complete educational goals, whether through degree completion or preparation for transfer to four-year institutions.
The institution's financial aid approach emphasizes broad access through structural affordability rather than selective aid distribution.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Miami Dade College maintains exceptionally low debt levels with median borrowing of $9,252, ranking at the 86th percentile nationally for low debt burden. Student debt ranges from $3,500 at the 25th percentile to $14,500 at the 75th percentile, with most borrowers taking on minimal obligations.
Compared to the peer median debt of $19,500, Miami Dade College students borrow $10,248 less, creating a substantial financial advantage upon graduation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income capacity.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,200 with monthly payments of $122, reflecting modest family borrowing levels. The combination of low tuition, controlled living costs, and minimal borrowing creates debt levels that support rather than burden graduates' financial futures.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Miami Dade College delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of minimal costs and substantial earnings uplift. The institution generates $16,790 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 92.5th percentile with top-tier performance, while maintaining median debt of $9,252 well below the peer median of $19,500.
This $10,248 debt advantage, combined with net prices $8,241 below peer institutions, creates exceptional value for students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 indicates sustainable borrowing levels that support long-term financial stability.
While absolute earnings of $40,654 place the institution modestly below average, the substantial earnings uplift demonstrates effective conversion of educational access into economic advancement. The investment assessment reflects an institution that maximizes student value through controlled costs rather than premium pricing, making higher education accessible while delivering meaningful economic returns.
