Analysis
Miami Dade College's construction engineering technology program offers a debt profile that should align well with the practical realities of the field—peer programs nationally suggest around $12,600 in debt, which amounts to less than three months of typical first-year earnings. Based on comparable associate programs nationwide, graduates enter the workforce earning approximately $56,000, though top-performing programs push graduates toward $73,300. The construction sector in South Florida runs hot and cold with development cycles, but the technical skills from this kind of program—reading blueprints, project management, construction methods—remain marketable whether graduates work for contractors, developers, or municipal building departments.
The challenge is that without school-specific data, you're placing some faith in Miami Dade's execution matching what similar programs deliver elsewhere. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, the college clearly serves working families who need programs that translate directly to employment. Construction technology fits that bill better than most associate degrees, offering clear career pathways into inspection, estimation, and project coordination roles that don't require a bachelor's degree. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 suggests a manageable financial burden if those national earnings patterns hold locally, but verify the school's industry connections and job placement support before committing.
Where Miami Dade College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Construction Engineering Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,838 | $55,979* | — | $12,563* | — | |
| $5,774 | $76,154* | $90,703 | $12,000* | 0.16 | |
| $6,718 | $75,253* | $69,774 | $12,000* | 0.16 | |
| $12,799 | $67,439* | $78,325 | $24,709* | 0.37 | |
| $17,940 | $44,518* | $40,651 | $16,095* | 0.36 | |
| $6,694 | $44,162* | $52,517 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $55,978* | — | $12,562* | 0.22 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies graduates
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.