Computer and Information Sciences at Miami Dade College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Miami Dade College's computer science program offers something increasingly rare: a pathway into tech without crushing debt. At just $11,195, graduates leave with 95% less debt than the national median for this program—a figure that matters enormously for the 45% of students here who receive Pell grants. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means most graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two if they prioritized it.
The tradeoff comes in first-year earnings. At $49,903, graduates earn about $7,000 less than Florida's state median for computer science programs and significantly trail the powerhouse programs at UF ($90,651) and UCF ($68,793). However, this gap shouldn't obscure the fundamental calculus: someone graduating from UF with typical debt levels would need 3-4 years of higher earnings just to break even with an MDC graduate who started working debt-free.
For families watching their budget, this is one of the clearest value propositions in Florida tech education. Your child gets a legitimate computer science credential, enters the workforce with minimal financial burden, and has the flexibility to pursue additional training or certifications later without existing debt constraints. The program won't launch them into elite tech salaries immediately, but it provides a solid foundation without the financial risk that makes computer science inaccessible to many students.
Where Miami Dade College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors'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 $50k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (39 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | $49,903 | — | $11,195 | 0.22 |
| University of Florida | $90,651 | $108,528 | $16,000 | 0.18 |
| University of Florida-Online | $90,651 | $108,528 | $16,000 | 0.18 |
| Rollins College | $69,707 | $72,024 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| University of Central Florida | $68,793 | $78,429 | $22,751 | 0.33 |
| Strayer University-Florida | $67,315 | $77,481 | $50,737 | 0.75 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida Gainesville | $6,381 | $90,651 | $16,000 |
| University of Florida-Online Gainesville | $3,876 | $90,651 | $16,000 |
| Rollins College Winter Park | $58,300 | $69,707 | $27,000 |
| University of Central Florida Orlando | $6,368 | $68,793 | $22,751 |
| Strayer University-Florida Tampa | $13,920 | $67,315 | $50,737 |
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 136 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.