Analysis
Based on comparable Florida programs, electrical engineering technology graduates typically earn around $58,000 in their first year—a solid starting point that places this field at the 75th percentile nationally. The estimated $12,000 debt burden appears manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 that suggests graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years while establishing their careers. This compares favorably to the national median debt of nearly $15,000 for similar programs.
What makes this estimate particularly relevant is the consistency across Florida's electrical technology programs. Two of the three schools with reported data show first-year earnings at or above $58,000, while only one falls significantly lower at around $40,000. This suggests the state's job market for electrical technicians generally supports these wage levels, especially in South Florida's diverse industrial and commercial sectors. The debt estimate, derived from similar community colleges nationwide, also seems reasonable given Miami Dade's mission as an affordable access point for technical training.
For families weighing this option, the financial math looks sound—first-year earnings nearly five times the debt load provides breathing room most graduates need. The bigger uncertainty isn't whether the economics work, but whether your student has confirmed through internships or job shadowing that hands-on electrical work aligns with their strengths and interests. The numbers suggest this program delivers reasonable value if it's the right technical path.
Where Miami Dade College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,838 | $58,056* | — | $12,063* | — | |
| $2,764 | $60,039* | $68,973 | —* | — | |
| $17,488 | $58,056* | $52,465 | $28,782* | 0.50 | |
| $2,474 | $40,388* | $47,713 | $9,168* | 0.23 | |
| National Median | — | $54,852* | — | $14,710* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 median of 3 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.