Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College graduates this film program with notably low debt—just $6,500, far below both the state median ($20,500) and national median ($25,000)—but that advantage comes at a significant earnings cost. First-year graduates earn $20,611, placing them in the 16th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Florida. That's roughly $4,000 below Florida's median for film programs and nearly $15,000 less than what University of Miami film graduates earn.

The math is straightforward: while the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 looks manageable on paper, $20,611 barely exceeds poverty-line wages for a family household. In Miami's expensive housing market, this creates real financial pressure even without significant debt. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, meaning many families are already stretching budgets.

For students committed to film careers, this program offers an affordable entry point—you won't graduate burdened by loans. But parents should understand that their child will likely need supplemental income, roommates, or family support during early career years. If your student is exploring film as an interest rather than a calling, or if they have other strong academic options, programs with better earnings outcomes would provide more financial breathing room post-graduation.