Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College's Liberal Arts associate degree delivers solid value through low debt rather than high earnings. With just $8,500 in median debt—well below both the national ($10,950) and Florida ($9,250) medians for this program—students graduate with manageable financial obligations despite starting salaries that rank in the 40th percentile nationally and statewide.

The program's strength emerges over time, with earnings jumping 37% from $25,905 in year one to $35,568 by year four. This growth trajectory helps offset the initially modest starting salary, though graduates still trail top Florida programs like Saint Leo University ($41,989) and University of West Florida ($31,140). However, those programs likely carry significantly higher debt loads, making the cost-benefit comparison more favorable for Miami Dade.

For families prioritizing affordability, this program offers a reasonable path forward. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means students can realistically manage loan payments, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) provides confidence in these outcomes. While your child won't command top wages immediately after graduation, the combination of low debt and solid earnings growth makes this a financially sensible choice for students seeking a broad liberal arts foundation without crushing financial burden.