Analysis
Miami Dade College's Allied Health program produces concerning outcomes that fall well short of what graduates could earn elsewhere in Florida. At $24,914 one year after graduation, alumni earn roughly $10,000 less than the state median for this field and $12,000 below the national average. While the $11,000 debt load appears manageable on paper, it represents 95th percentile nationally—meaning this program leaves students with more debt than 95% of comparable programs across the country—while delivering bottom-quintile earnings.
The gap with Florida peers is striking. Nearby community colleges like Santa Fe ($42,710) and St. Petersburg ($41,802) prepare students for nearly double the first-year earnings. Even accounting for Miami's higher cost of living, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide, suggesting the issue isn't regional market conditions but program-specific outcomes. For a family considering in-state options, spending two years at MDC appears to put students at a significant disadvantage compared to other accessible Florida programs.
The numbers suggest this particular program struggles to position graduates for the better-paying medical assistant and allied health roles. Given that multiple Florida community colleges demonstrate far stronger outcomes in the same field, parents should seriously evaluate those alternatives before committing here.
Where Miami Dade College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miami Dade College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,838 | $24,914 | — | $11,000 | 0.44 | |
| $15,580 | $50,942 | $44,787 | $21,250 | 0.42 | |
| $2,563 | $42,710 | — | $26,250 | 0.61 | |
| $13,263 | $42,622 | $50,875 | $25,250 | 0.59 | |
| $2,682 | $41,802 | — | $20,453 | 0.49 | |
| $2,370 | $40,027 | $49,758 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $36,862 | — | $19,825 | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Miami Dade College, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 56 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.