Business Administration, Management and Operations at Miami Dade College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Miami Dade College's Business Administration certificate program delivers below-average earnings with exceptionally high debt relative to most programs of this type. While graduates leave with just $8,750 in debt—significantly less than the national median of $14,699—their first-year earnings of $32,338 fall well short of both the national median ($39,085) and Florida's median ($36,843) for similar programs. This places the program in the bottom quarter nationally for earnings performance.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 looks reasonable at first glance, but context matters: this program ranks in the 95th percentile for debt among certificate programs, meaning nearly all similar programs nationwide manage to deliver comparable or better outcomes with even lower debt burdens. Within Florida, stronger alternatives exist at Florida State College at Jacksonville ($44,902 median earnings) and several community colleges that significantly outperform Miami Dade's results.
For a certificate program designed to provide quick workforce entry, earning $7,000 less than the state median represents a meaningful gap that compounds over time. Given the robust sample size and the availability of better-performing programs within Florida's community college system, parents should explore those alternatives before committing to this option.
Where Miami Dade College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Miami Dade College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miami Dade College graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 23th percentile of all business administration, management and operations certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (53 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | $32,338 | — | $8,750 | 0.27 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | $44,902 | — | $17,134 | 0.38 |
| Hillsborough Community College | $37,006 | — | $14,933 | 0.40 |
| Daytona State College | $36,843 | — | $13,821 | 0.38 |
| Full Sail University | $35,779 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $39,085 | — | $14,699 | 0.38 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville | $2,878 | $44,902 | $17,134 |
| Hillsborough Community College Tampa | $2,506 | $37,006 | $14,933 |
| Daytona State College Daytona Beach | $3,106 | $36,843 | $13,821 |
| Full Sail University Winter Park | $26,417 | $35,779 | — |
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 343 graduates with reported earnings and 831 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.